Developing Strong Convictions

In Hebrews 11:1 I read, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (NRSV)

Dictionaries define “conviction” as a fixed or strong belief, but conviction is much more than that. In addition to my beliefs, my convictions include my values, commitments, and motivations.

Howard Hendricks put it like this, “A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for.”

My convictions determine my conduct. They motivate me to take a stand and act according to my values.

When I first became a Christian, I often did things simply because Christians around me suggested or modeled them. I may pray, read the Bible, and attend church services because of their example.

This is fine for a new Christian; little children learn the same way. However, as I grow, I must eventually develop my own reasons for doing what I do. Those reasons become convictions.

Biblical convictions are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Ironically, many people today have strong convictions about minor issues, like football or fashion. At the same time, they have weak convictions about major issues, like what is right and what is wrong.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NRSV).

Developing strong, biblical convictions takes time and commitment. But it’s worth it. In the long run, they’ll help me live a consistent, faith-driven life.

In summary, dictionaries define “conviction” as a fixed or strong belief, but conviction is much more. In addition to my beliefs, my convictions include my values, commitments, and motivations. “A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for.” My convictions determine my conduct. They motivate me to take a stand and act according to my values. I often did things simply because Christians around me suggested or modeled them. However, as I grow, I must eventually develop my own reasons for doing what I do. Those reasons become convictions. Biblical convictions are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Ironically, many have strong convictions about minor issues. At the same time, they have weak convictions about major issues, like what is right and what is wrong. Biblical faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Developing strong, biblical convictions takes time and commitment. In the long run, they’ll help me live a consistent, faith-driven life.

Faith is the confidence based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. Two words describe faith: confidence and assurance. These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point. The beginning point of faith is believing in God's character. He is who he says. The end point is believing in God's promises: He will do what he says. When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don't see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.