Faith and conviction are intertwined concepts. Faith is about belief and trust in a higher power, while conviction refers to fixed or strong beliefs, values, commitments, and motivations. In the Christian faith, conviction is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, guiding one's actions and providing direction and purpose in life.
The Bible highlights the importance of conviction, urging Christians to live by their convictions and remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity. However, it is also crucial to respect the convictions of others, avoiding imposition and judgement.
Having faith in one's convictions means believing strongly in one's values and principles, being willing to stand up for them, and letting them guide one's actions and decisions. It requires courage and reexamination, but it ultimately empowers individuals and leaves a lasting impact on others.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Courage | To stand strong in the face of persecution and ridicule |
Belief | In God, the Bible, and Christ |
Trust | In God's power and will |
Obedience | To God's commandments |
Patience | In waiting for God's answers |
Action | To do things that are pleasing in God's sight |
Humility | To not flaunt liberty over the weak in faith |
Compassion | For the lost, poor, sick, and needy |
What You'll Learn
Recognise objective truth as God defines it
The concept of objective truth is multifaceted and complex, and while Christian theology does not put forth a distinct theory of truth, it is compatible with the traditional notion of truth as correspondence. Recognising objective truth as God defines it involves understanding that truth is independent of personal feelings or biases and is grounded in reality.
In the Christian perspective, God is the ultimate source of truth, possessing a privileged position as the knower of all truth. This belief is exemplified in the biblical passage where Jesus states, "I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice" (John 18:37). Christians view God as the embodiment of truth, and their faith is rooted in this conviction.
To recognise objective truth as God defines it, one must turn to the Bible, which serves as a guide for understanding the convictions and core issues of life. These convictions encompass morals, personal standards, lifestyle choices, spirituality, family, and faith. By studying the Bible, individuals can align their values and actions with God's definition of truth, which transcends human subjectivity.
The Bible presents a multifaceted conception of truth, using the words "true" or "truth" in both non-philosophical and philosophical senses. In the non-philosophical sense, these words signify qualities such as fidelity, moral rectitude, and reality. However, the Scriptures also speak of truth in a more philosophical manner, alluding to its veracity and the presumption that the writings are true.
While Christian theology contributes to the discussion about truth, it does not offer a distinctively Christian theory of truth. This absence is intentional, as a Christian theory of truth would render its claim to truth circular and trivial. Instead, Christian faith aspires to commend itself in the marketplace of ideas, asserting its truthfulness in the common, ordinary sense of the word.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the concept of objective truth has come under attack in recent years. Statements about God, which were once considered objective, have been increasingly treated as subjective. This shift in perspective has led to the notion that truth is relative and dependent on individual beliefs. However, despite these postmodern challenges, the recognition of objective truth as God defines it remains a fundamental aspect of Christian faith.
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Live by conviction, not by default or personal preference
The dictionary defines conviction as a fixed or strong belief. However, convictions are more than that. They include your values, commitments, and motivations.
Many of us live our lives by default, falling in line with cultural expectations and societal norms. We go with the flow, and our personal preferences become the rules we live by. But as Christians, we are called to step out of the flow and live by conviction.
To live by conviction, we must recognize objective truth as God defines it. Reading the Bible illuminates our convictions and guides us in our morals, personal standards, lifestyle choices, spirituality, family, and faith.
Living by conviction is challenging, but it infuses our lives with power and purpose and leaves a lasting legacy. When we live by conviction, we become more like Jesus, who radically lived by conviction. He chose to lay aside social norms and expectations to follow God's path, and His convictions were so strong that He could not be swayed or tricked.
Our convictions are strong when they guide our actions and decisions. When we live by conviction, people will seek us out and invite us to share our beliefs with them. Our convictions are also strong enough when they can withstand the test of time, strain, and persecution.
Without convictions, we become weak and easily influenced by others. We are swayed by the tide of things and become double-minded, sitting on the fence of decision-making.
We develop strong convictions by thoughtfully processing God's truth and yielding to the evidence He provides. We must seek to understand His word and allow it to shape our values, commitments, and motivations.
- Forgiving someone who has hurt us because it honors God
- Refusing to cheat on a test, even if everyone else is doing it
- Serving in the church because it pleases the Lord
- Preaching Christ and growing in maturity, even in the face of persecution
- Standing strong and praying in the face of danger, like the missionaries whose food was poisoned
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Understand that convictions include values, commitments and motivations
Understanding your convictions is key to having faith in them. Convictions are more than just beliefs, they are a combination of your values, commitments, and motivations.
Values are deeply held beliefs about the worth, importance, or desirability of something. They are enduring guiding principles that influence our decision-making and shape our overall outlook on life. They are the moral, ethical, social, or personal standards that guide our choices, actions, and behaviours.
Commitments are the investments, promises, and contracts that bind us to a future course of action. They are the day-to-day decisions we make about how to allocate our time, money, and attention.
Motivations are the reasons behind our convictions. They are the driving forces that lead us to take action and stand up for our beliefs.
Together, these three elements form the foundation of our convictions, giving us the strength and resolve to stay true to our beliefs, even in the face of opposition or challenges.
To live by conviction, we must recognise objective truth as defined by a higher power or our own moral code. This means stepping out of our comfort zone, questioning our default behaviours, and being willing to go against the grain. It requires re-examination and deliberation, but it will infuse our lives with power and purpose, leaving a lasting legacy.
By understanding the values, commitments, and motivations that make up our convictions, we can more confidently navigate life's challenges and stay true to ourselves and our beliefs.
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Be courageous in the face of ridicule and pushback
Having faith in your convictions can be challenging, especially when facing ridicule and pushback. It takes courage to stand firm in your beliefs, but it is possible to do so with grace and strength. Here are some ways to be courageous:
Understand the importance of convictions
Convictions are more than just strong beliefs; they encompass your values, commitments, and motivations. They guide your actions and shape your character. Without convictions, you may find yourself swayed by peer pressure, personal preferences, or the expectations of others. By living according to your convictions, you can lead a purposeful and impactful life, just as Jesus did.
Recognise the challenges you may face
It is important to acknowledge that standing by your convictions can be difficult and may invite ridicule or pushback. You may experience this within your community, social circle, or even your family. Know that you are not alone in facing these challenges, and seek inspiration from Christian figures throughout history, such as Jesus, the apostle Paul, and Martin Luther King Jr., who all endured persecution for their beliefs.
Find support and inspiration
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and can provide encouragement. Join faith-based organisations or seek out supportive friends who respect your beliefs. Remember that many others have faced similar challenges and can offer guidance and inspiration. Look to the Bible for solace and perspective, with verses such as Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Stand firm but act with love
When facing opposition, remember to respond with love and empathy. Jesus set the example of unswerving convictions coupled with loving consideration for those who did not share his beliefs. While staying true to your convictions, strive to communicate effectively and respectfully with those who hold different worldviews. By doing so, you can strengthen your faith and find common ground.
Keep the bigger picture in mind
When faced with pushback, take a step back and consider the long-term impact of your actions. Ask yourself how you want to be remembered and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Remember that your convictions are worth fighting for, and they will give direction and purpose to your life. As Howard Hendricks said, "A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!"
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Find supportive friends and fellowship with other believers
Having faith in your convictions can be challenging, and finding supportive friends and fellowship with other believers can be a great source of strength and encouragement. Here are some reasons why finding supportive friends and fellowship is important:
Strength in Numbers
Fellowship with other Christians can make us stronger. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20, "If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them." When we gather with other believers, we can encourage and support one another, and our collective faith can be a powerful force.
A Support System
Fellow Christian believers can provide a support system and remind us that we are not alone in our faith journey. As the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12, we are all part of the body of Christ, each with our own unique gifts and skills. By gathering together, we can uplift and encourage one another, and provide accountability to stay on the path of faith.
Growth and Accountability
Fellowship with other Christians also helps us grow in our faith. The company we keep has a significant influence on us, and surrounding ourselves with people who share our values and beliefs can help us stay focused on our spiritual goals. As Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
A Shared Bond
The original Greek word for "fellowship" is "koinonia," which means to have a deep, intimate bond with someone. When we find friends who share our faith, we can connect on a deeper level and support each other in living out our convictions.
A Means of Perseverance
Christian fellowship can also be a means of perseverance in faith. By encouraging and exhorting one another, we can help each other stay strong in our convictions and avoid falling away from our faith. As Paul writes in Hebrews 3:12-14, we should "exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
In conclusion, finding supportive friends and fellowship with other believers can provide strength, support, growth, and accountability in our faith journey. It can help us stay true to our convictions and deepen our relationship with God and with one another.
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Frequently asked questions
Conviction is a fixed or strong belief. It includes your values, commitments, and motivations.
Having faith in your convictions gives you direction and purpose, and it infuses your life with power. It also helps you to stand firm in your beliefs and not be swayed by others.
It can be challenging to go against the grain and face pushback for your convictions. To keep your faith in difficult circumstances, think long-term, look to Christian figures for inspiration, and find supportive friends who share your beliefs.