Convictions

All of us live with a set of personal convictions—our views of what is right and wrong, what we feel is pleasing to God or not, what we are comfortable or uncomfortable in doing. Some issues are very crucial, like it is wrong to murder. Others are not quite as crucial, like there’s just something not right about cheering for the Steelers. Some things are based solidly on Scripture, some are based partially on Scripture, and some are just a personal thing between God and the person. If you start a list, every person could probably come up with hundreds of items that together form what they feel is right and wrong, a blueprint of how they walk with God according to their conscience. Here’s the rub: every single person on this planet has a different list. If we asked enough questions, we would find differences in everyone’s personal convictions. The question then becomes, what is the proper place of personal convictions in the Christian walk and in the church? And how do we handle interacting with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have differing personal convictions—which actually means everybody, since everybody has differing personal convictions? There are four convictions that should be avoided though. Convictions that are little more than superstitions, convictions that attract attention for a selfish ego, convictions generated by an unwillingness to accept change, and convictions that are negative. Convictions that are little more than superstitions are based on blind fate, while our God is “personal and reasonable” (Johnston, J., 1996) An example given by Johnston is that of the Greeks worshipping to a god whose statue a goat had crossed paths with. This is foolish, and should be avoided. 1 Timothy 4:7 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;”. Convictions that attract attention for a selfish ego are based on when the focus is on us. We need to always praise Him and give all the

References: Holy Bible: New Evangelical Translation: New Testament = Novyĭ Zavet. (God 's Word to the Nations ed.). (1993). Cleveland, OH: NET Pub. Johnston, J. (1985). Christian excellence: Alternative to success. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Bakers Book House.