I heard a sermon recently which got me to thinking about convictions. What am I convinced of? What do I believe is the absolute truth? Would I support it with my life? I'm not just talking here of my faith in Jesus. I'm talking about daily living. What are my convictions on honesty? What about my work ethic? Gossip? Sexual purity? Alcohol? Marriage? Abortion? Drugs? TV? Movies? Public schools? Politicians? Lying? Stealing? Plagiarism? Modesty? Responsibility? Leadership? Greed? Laws? The Constitution? Dishonest gain? And the list goes on and on. Have I formed my own convictions about these, or do I allow others to dictate how I think? Are my convictions eroding because of the constant bombardment of ideas I don't agree with but hear so often that it begins to seem normal?
Obviously this is one of the reasons for the decline of this country. We are a people who no longer have definite convictions based on a moral foundation. We listen to a convincing argument and because we have formed no definite opinion about the subject we believe what we are being told. We are easily swayed to follow anyone who looks and sounds better than the average. That's how Barack Obama was elected. If our country's values were still based on Biblical principles people would not have voted for a president who believes in abortion, in same sex marriage, in forcing churches to pay for contraceptives or hire homosexuals which is contrary to their beliefs. They certainly would not have voted for a president who does not uphold the Constitution, or the laws of this land, but makes his own laws, or overrides those that are hindering his will.
We must realize how important it is to have convictions and begin to develop ours so that we can withstand the arguments and oppression formed against us. But how do we do that?
God knew we would follow others, resort to our own ways, or take the path of least resistance if He didn't give us guidelines of right and wrong, so He wrote these laws on our hearts.
Rom. 2:14-15 says, " (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)"
But because He also knew we would become calloused of heart and ignore our consciences, He had them written for us in the Bible. As we genuinely search and study His Word there is no doubt we will develop convictions. In addition to His Word, God has also given us the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us into His Will and His Way if we ask Him.
I believe it is imperative that our convictions come from a strong Biblical foundation. That seems to be what is lacking in most of the world today. The Bible is being ridiculed as a standard of living--mainly because those of us who believe it have not been willing to stand for what we believe and know to be true. This must stop! It is time to take a stand for righteousness so that others will know what God thinks about the circumstances of their lives. We may be "the only Bible others will read." But let us be certain we are speaking the truth in love. That is a great responsibility, isn't it?
How often, Lord, I have been consumed with the things that concern me and not even given a thought to the things that concern you. Please help me to be more conscious of the responsibility you have given each of your children--to live the life as you lived it.
Obviously this is one of the reasons for the decline of this country. We are a people who no longer have definite convictions based on a moral foundation. We listen to a convincing argument and because we have formed no definite opinion about the subject we believe what we are being told. We are easily swayed to follow anyone who looks and sounds better than the average. That's how Barack Obama was elected. If our country's values were still based on Biblical principles people would not have voted for a president who believes in abortion, in same sex marriage, in forcing churches to pay for contraceptives or hire homosexuals which is contrary to their beliefs. They certainly would not have voted for a president who does not uphold the Constitution, or the laws of this land, but makes his own laws, or overrides those that are hindering his will.
We must realize how important it is to have convictions and begin to develop ours so that we can withstand the arguments and oppression formed against us. But how do we do that?
God knew we would follow others, resort to our own ways, or take the path of least resistance if He didn't give us guidelines of right and wrong, so He wrote these laws on our hearts.
Rom. 2:14-15 says, " (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)"
But because He also knew we would become calloused of heart and ignore our consciences, He had them written for us in the Bible. As we genuinely search and study His Word there is no doubt we will develop convictions. In addition to His Word, God has also given us the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us into His Will and His Way if we ask Him.
I believe it is imperative that our convictions come from a strong Biblical foundation. That seems to be what is lacking in most of the world today. The Bible is being ridiculed as a standard of living--mainly because those of us who believe it have not been willing to stand for what we believe and know to be true. This must stop! It is time to take a stand for righteousness so that others will know what God thinks about the circumstances of their lives. We may be "the only Bible others will read." But let us be certain we are speaking the truth in love. That is a great responsibility, isn't it?
How often, Lord, I have been consumed with the things that concern me and not even given a thought to the things that concern you. Please help me to be more conscious of the responsibility you have given each of your children--to live the life as you lived it.
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