The word “conviction” generally has two meanings: a firm, unshakable belief or an official declaration of guilt in a court of law (Merriam-Webster). Thinking of that first definition, the apostles demonstrated great conviction throughout their ministries and it would do us well to consider some of the accounts and imitate them to the best of our abilities. The book of Acts (ref. 5.29) shows the apostles demonstrating great courage and conviction in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. They were willing to stand up for Jesus’ death and resurrection before the council of the day. They were also willing to suffer shame for the name of Jesus, being counted worthy of that shame (Acts 5.41). Can you imagine if this was the case today?

As the people of God, we must increase our convictions in things concerning Christ and Him crucified, His beloved church and righteous living. Our conviction must come from a “Thus saith the LORD” if it is going to be a true conviction. Remember the words of the apostle Paul: “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10.17). Our faith must and will be tested from time to time and this is to ensure our commitment to God and His Son. Peter instructed the brethren, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3.15). Being set for the defense of the gospel will aid our minds and our will and give us courage to speak up, stand up and keep our chins up as Christians (Phil. 1.16-17).

Let’s consider some examples of those who were convicted in the righteousness of God – men and women who loved the truth and put their lives on the line for it. Men such as Moses, who was meek and was distinguished from all other men on the face of the earth in that arena of life, stood tall for his God (Num. 12.3). He sincerely went to God on behalf of Israel and truly cared about their well being. When the people complained against God and himself, he went to Jehovah as a mediator because the people were dying from the snake bites (Num. 21.4-9). Joshua was so dedicated to the will of God that he challenged his family to make a decision concerning their choice to serve God or idols (Josh. 24.14-15). Ruth was truly convinced by God and His influence that she refused to leave Naomi when her husband died in the land of Moab (Ruth 1.1-19). We can glean from the lives of these three for years to come if we had the time.

Brethren, we want to increase our conviction in our loyalty to Christ and His church. This requires us being dedicated to serving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matt. 22.37-39). Just having the courage to apply the words of Christ will help us speak up when needed and with great wisdom and prudence. Paul told the brethren in Colossae, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4.5-6). Increasing our knowledge will aid in our conviction if we apply what we have learned from the Lord. It is not enough to simply know the word of God but rather believe, do, live by, and share the words given to us.

Increasing our conviction will position us to be confrontational at times. There’s an old saying, “Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything” (attributed to Alexander Hamilton). This is true and we need to guard ourselves against this at all costs. James calls this type of person double-minded and said, “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1.8). We can guard ourselves from this by knowing Christ for ourselves and being sure of our salvation in Him. Paul knew in whom he believed and was persuaded about Him (2 Tim. 1.12). Paul was so firm in his conviction, he told the Corinthians these words: “’I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Cor. 4.13). Friends, we should do the same. Believe God and be convicted.

In conclusion, we are tasked to take the gospel to the world and this implies the need to know the truth and be convicted of the truth (Matt. 28.18-20). If we can continue to cultivate a congregation that loves the Lord and His word, we will continue to see spiritual and numerical growth and development (Acts 16.5). Let us learn to humble ourselves to obtain more knowledge and be swift to discern truth from error on a daily basis (Phil. 1.9-11). Let us continue to exhort one another to allow the word of God to sink into our hearts and not remain head knowledge (Ps. 119.11). May the Lord give increase this month and may He be glorified in all we do and say. “Let God be true but every man a liar” (Rom. 3.4).