living our convictions // Tuesday E-Devotion

"If we don't stand on our convictions, we will fall all over them." That has been a statement and creed that I have stuck with for over 2 decades. In fact, I have learned more about convictions during times of pain and crisis than in times of victory.

Romans 14:23 (nlt) --- But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

Understand that when we choose to stand by our convictions, that there will be pain and disappointment. People won't understand what you are doing or the reason behind it. Thus, there are some things we ought to put through a testing process.

1. Does my conviction build my faith in God?

2. Does my conviction find proof in the Word of God?

3. Does my conviction point others toward God?

That so-called litmus test may prove to be a powerful tool to answer some of your convictions.

One person aptly said somewhere, choose the hills you will die on. Another said, choose what you are willing to die for.

The convictions we hold ought to cause us to live out our faith and inspire confidence in us. Living our convictions won't be easy if that pass through those 3 questions. I've learned that the hard way. Yet, I am willing to stand on the things that God has taught me.

If you think this is rather bold or even arrogant, you may be right. But I firmly hold to the fact that God gave me vision to move forward and convictions that keep me standing strong. Therefore, living our convictions will lead us to success and victory if they pass the test.

Lord, teach us to stand firm in the things you have taught us and to set aside the things that don't matter. Give us the wisdom and strength to know the difference as we are living our convictions. May others find you in the places we stand. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (nlt) --- Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Hebrews 4:14 (nlt) --- So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.

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Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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