Convictions Paper Free Essays

Convictions 1 Convictions Ohio Christian University CM3000 – Christian Excellence Convictions 2 We all live our lives according to our set of personal convictions. Personal convictions are the blueprints that guide us down the path of life. We generally obtain our core convictions during childhood based on our culture, where we live and our religious beliefs. We will write a custom essay sample on Convictions Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is probably safe to say that no two people will have the exact same convictions because each of our experiences and backgrounds vary in some manner. When thinking about convictions, I am reminded of the following scripture; â€Å"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind† (Romans 14:5). Although the Bible does not specifically mention convictions, I am sure that Paul was talking about each person’s individual convictions. In the book Christian Excellence Alternative To Success written by Jon Johnston, he tells us that there are four pitfall concerning convictions that we have to be aware of: 1. Superstitious Convictions 2. Convictions that attract attention for selfish egos . Convictions generated by an unwillingness to change 4. Convictions that are negative Convictions 3 Convictions that are Superstitious As a professed Christian, I have often been guilty of looking at horoscopes and once for a lark, going to a psychic. However; even when I was indulging in each of these activities I felt a little squeamish. I was taught to believe that God alone knows our futures. By reading the horoscopes and going to the psychic, I was not being true to my religious convictions. As Christians, we have to be careful to stay away from anything that opposes biblical teaching. When we indulge in something that is superstitious it advocates faith in something other than God, and it is a form of divination. We cannot determine God’s will for our lives through horoscopes or psychics. As Christians, we are to read the Bible and pray to God in order to gain wisdom and guidance. Convictions that Attract attention for a selfish ego Matthew 6: 16-18 states, â€Å"â€Å"Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. â€Å"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you,† (King James). For me, this is the essence of not attracting attention for a selfish ego. Everything that we do should be for the Glory of God and not the approval of man. When we live by convictions based on what man thinks, we open our heart to sin, including the sin of egotism. Lucifer, who was one on God’s most glorious creations, fell from grace due to his ego. Convictions 4 When we allow ourselves to be reeled in by our egos, we put ourselves in the â€Å"first place† that belongs only to God. In effect we are separating ourselves from depending on God. I have to be very careful of using the words I and me. I have overcome a lot of issues and now have a great life. However; I try and always remember to leave ego out and remember that it was by and thru the Grace of God. Convictions generated by Unwillingness to Change In the textbook Christian Excellence Johnston says, â€Å"Today, some of us slide into a â€Å"conviction rut† in order to avoid facing change† (p. 132). My Father was 32 years older than my Mother. I was born when my father was 52 and my sister when he was 56. My Father was born in 1910 and had grown up thru the depression and under conditions that were vastly different from my sister and I. My Father had to make many changes in his thoughts, actions and attitudes to ensure that he was able to be the best Father in the world. This included going places he was not used to and participating in activities foreign to him so that we could navigate a modern life. I am absolutely certain this was difficult for him, but because of the love he felt for us he was willing to change. Often when people are unable to accept change, they become isolated. I don’t think by making changes in our lives we have to go against God. Titus 3:5 states, â€Å"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,† (King James). The scripture speaks of renewal and regeneration and they both require change. We have to be able to change our attitudes in order to ge Convictions 5 along with others. Johnston is not saying that we have to change our values, but we have to be willing to adapt ourselves to situations. In the textbook, he gave an example of how some were not willing to accept new medical advances. I am one who believes that God provides the knowledge available to Doctors to save lives. Accepting the benefits of medical technology is a form of being able to accept change. The Jews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they were unable to accept change. They were unable to move beyond the life of slavery and cruel masters to the lives that God had ordained them. Their inability to accept change induced them to be grumblers and complainers. It literally isolated them from God. Convictions that are Negative In the course of life, I have heard dialogue from some Christians and thought to myself, â€Å"they do not inspire anyone to become a Christian. † This was due to their negativity. It seemed as if everything was a sin. They treated everyone else as a condemned sinner not worthy of God’s love. Alfred A. Montapert said, â€Å"Avoid destructive thinking. Improper negative thoughts sink people. A ship can sail around the world many, many times, but just let enough water get into the ship and it will sink. Just so with the human mind. Let enough negative thoughts or improper thoughts get into the human mind and the person sinks just like a ship† (worldofquotes. com). Jesus encountered many negative people even while he was attempting to save them from sin. Even one of the men hanging on the cross with Jesus instead of asking for mercy, went to his death a pathetic and negative person. When we are negative, are hearts are heartened to good news. I think this is a sin. The Bible admonishes us to â€Å"In the same way, let your light shine Convictions 6 before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven,(Matthew 5:16). As Christians one of our primary roles is to lead others to Christ. When we are negative and sour faced we are unable to do that. In closing, although we all do have different convictions, If we are Christian, we have a common denominator, Jesus Christ. I think we have to occasionally examine our convictions and determine if they are Christ like. We have to determine if we have wrapped ourselves in a self-righteous cloak of convictions that is more worldly than Godly. Convictions 7 References Johnston, J. (1996). Christian Excellence Alternative To Success. Second Edition. JKO Publishing. Franklin, Tn. World of Quotes. Retrieved March 2012. Alfred A. Montepert. http://www. worldofquotes. com/Negative: How to cite Convictions Paper, Papers Convictions Paper Free Essays Convictions are defined as: 1. An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence. 2. We will write a custom essay sample on Convictions Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now (Criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed; â€Å"the conviction came as no surprise†. 3. The act of convicting; the act of proving, finding, or adjudging, guilty of an offense. 4. A judgment of condemnation entered by a court having jurisdiction; the act or process of finding guilty, or the state of being found guilty of any crime by a legal tribunal 5.  The act of convincing of error, or of compelling the admission of a truth; confutation 6. The state of being convinced or convicted; strong persuasion or belief; especially, the state of being convicted of sin, or by one’s conscience. .[Websters] As we look at convictions in our lives it is important for us to discern where those convictions are rooted and based. Not all convictions are always rooted in God. Some convictions are little more than superstitions which are based on a notion or illusion. There is a distinct difference between feelings and conviction†¦. Feelings are defined as, â€Å"an awareness of something; a notion or belief not based on reason; emotions rather than intellect. † We need to be sure that we are grounded in what God tells us. There are many voices that we hear; of these we have the voice of self, the voice of the world, and the voice of God. We should be able to determine whether the convictions we hold true to us and follow are from God or another voice. This only becomes possible by knowing God’s voice from the other voices we hear on a regular basis. The bible tells us â€Å"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. † (John 10:27 Amplified Bible) I cannot personally recall a time when I held convictions that were not in line with God’s word but there have been times in my life that I feel my thought process slipping of course and need to align myself with God’s through time in his Word. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. † (Hebrews 4:12 KJV) Convictions that attract attention for a selfish ego puts us first rather than putting God first, these convictions are often rooted in pride or a desire for attention. Being in the spotlight and gaining attention can be attractive but as we know as Christians we must die to ourselves and seek to put God first in every area of our lives. The Bible speaks in many places of how God feels about pride. â€Å"To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. † (Proverbs 8:13 NIV). And in (Romans 2:8 NIV) â€Å"But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. † Some convictions are generated by an unwillingness to accept change. It happens sometimes we get comfortable with how things are and how things have been and in general change can be difficult. In change lies a fear of the unknown. Sometimes we fail to see that along with change come opportunities for growth. The Bible tells us â€Å"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its water roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. † (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV). I see this in me as well at times it is easy to be complacent and go with the flow and not seek change in our lives. I cannot recall any convictions I have held that were rooted in an unwillingness to change but I can definitely see how this could be possible. For a while I knew that God has been calling me into ministry as a vocation but wasn’t sure where to start or how. I would make excuses on why I couldn’t do it or why it wouldn’t work. I had chosen a career path and the change and transition not to mention the uncertainty would not be easy. For years I wrestled with this. Sometimes I would say maybe I can just spend more time in prayer for the lost and hurting or work in my sphere of influence. It came down to a resistance to submit everything including my future to God. I still feel lost in at times. But I know that I am one step closer as I am now pursuing an education which will support this calling. I am confident God will open the doors that need to be opened when the time comes. But I know that this is the first step in that process. That’s much how God works, revealing His plan to us on a step-by-step basis. How to cite Convictions Paper, Essay examples