Conviction. It’s a tough word, isn’t it? It feels heavy. Even punitive. Yet, in the purest form, we heed such convictions to honor a Holy God who created us, redeemed us, and transforms us through the process of sanctification.

Although conviction is a gift from God, there is purpose in the pain and it often gets lost in translation. This happens because our lives are fraught with indifference to the hard lines of faith. An indifference deeply rooted in our culture that causes compromise to wrestle with conviction. 

As a general rule, compromise is a battleground of conflicting opinions, attitudes, and beliefs among a host of co-mingling concessions. It often shows up as unassuming as a whisper, challenging us to go with the mainstream. Other times, it roars like a lion and causes the ground beneath us to shift if we dare draw a line in the sand.

On one hand, compromise is a desirable quality. One that serves us well in a world shaded in gray. On the other hand, compromise can be devastating when we ignore a solid conviction from the Lord because it always cost us more than we are willing to pay. 

So what is the enticement for compromising our God-given convictions? For Samson it was pleasure. Perhaps David’s draw was passion and power. For Sarah and Abraham, it was immediacy. For Lot’s wife, it was a dangerous desire to return to the past. For you, it may be comfort. Control. Identity.

Consequently, by ignoring our convictions we take the path of least resistance. In doing so, we compromise our beliefs and our character. Most often, it is an effort to placate others or to avoid the unpleasant experience of rejection. However, if we do this long enough, we become desensitized to His voice and suffer in the silence.

One thing is certain, in this life of disappointments and trials it is our natural inclination to wrestle with our convictions.  We might even be tempted to shake our fists at God for those things that test us. Matthew 6:24 tells us very clearly we can’t serve two masters. 

This is where conviction calls us to lean into one and deny the other. It is in this space of decision that our convictions are tested, and the quality of our character confirmed. Where we take a stand, draw a line, and choose our allegiance. This takes guts but it gives God the glory!

My hope for you is that when you look in the mirror at the end of each day, you will remember who you were created to be, and whom you were intended to serve. Don’t let compromise determine the ending of your story. Draw a line in the sand and watch God write a beautiful narrative of your life that honors His deep and pervasive convictions.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be brave because it takes guts to give God the glory!