The root meaning of the word conviction is to be convinced, or to come into agreement. As it relates to sin, God wants nothing less than total agreement with His Word. Ultimately, King David realized that you must love what God loves and hate what God hates in order to be fully persuaded of God’s ways.
There is no middle ground when it comes to conviction. People of strong conviction have settled all of the excuses, questions, and arguments. Obedience is not a choice. It is a conviction! Integrity is not an option. It is a conviction! Character is not an alternative. It is a conviction! Conviction is not simply a feeling you get in church when you need to repent. It is a change of thinking, producing a change of speaking, that results in a change of behavior and lifestyle.
II Timothy 1:12
“…For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
If I were to relate this key to a Bible story, it would be hard to choose between ‘Daniel in the Lion’s Den’ and ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace.’ Each of them had a choice to compromise their convictions or be martyred for their religious beliefs. Each story has a miraculous ending through Supernatural intervention.
- Read Daniel, chapters 3, 10, 11
- Pray daily for Christians throughout the world. Many are being persecuted in countries that do not permit religious freedom and personal convictions.
- Answer the following questions: How strong are your convictions? Do you know what you believe? Would you be willing to suffer persecution for the sake of Godly principles? It takes courage and strong convictions to take a stand against unrighteousness and moral decay. Your beliefs are the convictions that shape your moral values.
“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
