Into the Fire

Anymore in the world, having convictions seems transitory. Particularly with politicians. Hearing direct quotes from even six months ago speaking the exact opposite of what they’re spewing today is commonplace. Many people don’t notice, don’t care, don’t believe it or make excuses for the misspoken words—or lies, if the truth be known.

Developing convictions takes time and determination. And usually they’re a result of facing challenges in an area which requires a decision. Those areas can be muddled and difficult with all kinds of extenuating circumstances to complicate making a decision to believe in and defend without wobbling. Some areas are less important and don’t inspire too much thought—or even interest—so stating your conviction about the subject is inconsequential in your life.

Needless to say, things which instigate arriving at decisions and then having to stand for them become big in your life. To others these particular items might seem small, but to you they take on an aura of bigness that translates into mega proportions. No one can really determine what those are for you or why they matter so much.

What is so important to a 16 year old is rarely important to a 50 year old. That’s the way life happens. Growth produces new measures for your standards and amplifies your worldviews. In a way life becomes both more complicated and simplified simultaneously. The issues expand, the challenges increase, but the standing for something generally becomes easier.

In the writing world I believe in my convictions. I’m not going to argue about them, but I’m willing to state my case for them. I realized in writing a few of the most recent posts just how much and how strongly these “opinions” mean to me. They aren’t “small”. And they’re not weak.

In my faith I also stand on my convictions. Certain elements of my faith might not mesh with yours in spite of our agreement in the most basic tenets of true Christian faith. Your explanations will never convince me I’ve misread the Bible, but I’m not going to debate you on the Word. Or discuss them if there’s heavy disagreement.

How ‘bout your convictions? Is there something in the writing world for which you’ve developed strong convictions?

Father, keep me close to your heart. Let me be true to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.