Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief. Conviction is really much more than that. Your convictions include your values, commitments, and motivations. I like the definition of conviction I once heard from the great Bible teacher Howard Hendricks: “A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!” Our convictions determine our conduct. They motivate us to act in certain ways.
When you first become a Christian you often do things simply because other Christians around you suggest them or model them. You may pray, read the Bible and attend services because you see the examples of others. This is fine for a new Christian. Little children learn the same way. However, as you grow, you must eventually develop your own reasons for doing what you do. These reasons come through revelation and become convictions.
Conviction helps us to be diligent in our spiritual growth. Growth requires time and effort. Without convictions we become discouraged and give up. No one stays with a difficult task unless he isconvinced that there is a good reason for doing it. A church can teach people how to pray, how to study the Bible, and how to witness, but without imparting the corresponding convictions, people will not stick with it.
Knowing what to do (knowledge), why you do it (perspective) and how to do it (skill) is all worthless if you don’t have the conviction to motivate you to actually do it! What are your convictions in your walk with the Lord?
Scriptural Reading:
Romans 4:13-25
#YearOfWisdom
When you first become a Christian you often do things simply because other Christians around you suggest them or model them. You may pray, read the Bible and attend services because you see the examples of others. This is fine for a new Christian. Little children learn the same way. However, as you grow, you must eventually develop your own reasons for doing what you do. These reasons come through revelation and become convictions.
Conviction helps us to be diligent in our spiritual growth. Growth requires time and effort. Without convictions we become discouraged and give up. No one stays with a difficult task unless he isconvinced that there is a good reason for doing it. A church can teach people how to pray, how to study the Bible, and how to witness, but without imparting the corresponding convictions, people will not stick with it.
Knowing what to do (knowledge), why you do it (perspective) and how to do it (skill) is all worthless if you don’t have the conviction to motivate you to actually do it! What are your convictions in your walk with the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to understand Kingdom principles and give me strong convictions to stand against the schemes of the devil.Scriptural Reading:
Romans 4:13-25
#YearOfWisdom
