Conviction

INTEGRITY
WELCOME TO PASTOR DR. CARLOTTA'S COUNSELING CENTER.

This Hub is just one of many Topics that will be written on Integrity "The righteous man walks in his integrity" Proverb 20:7. Integrity touches every area of our lives. Our integrity affects our relationships and integrity goes with us everyday. God is more interested in our integrity than our ministry. Without integrity our ministry will not stand because the lack of integrity erodes our reputation and our reputation influences people.

REMEMBER: THE WORLD IS NOT READING THEIR BIBLE. THEY ARE READING US!

In the Hebrew education system, character training was consider to be more important than academics. The Greek education system searched for knowledge and wisdom. The Hebrews did not separate character training from academics; however, character development was always first and foremost.

Conviction is a very powerful influence and is formed by the attitude and belief of the heart. When a person's convictions are based on the Word of God, true character is formed. People of integrity are people who refuse to compromise their convictions. The disciples in the beginning had to show their character and integrity in the midst of difficult situations.

Jesus was gone and now it was time for the disciples to STAND! The disciples were willing to surrender all to fulfill their calling and hold on to their convictions.

WHAT IS CONVICTION? It is the fact or condition of being without DOUBT!

Conviction is being absolutely sure. Conviction is something that you are absolutely sure about and truly believe in, regardless of the opinion or words of threat that comes from others.

We see that the disciples would not compromise their convictions about the Gospel, Acts. 4:1-22. In the midst of threats, their conviction remained strong. They even prayed for more boldness to preach the Gospel. There are situations and conditions where there is simply no room for compromise. This starts with the Word of God.

Convictions are learned by association. Convictions are determined by what we spend time with, where we go, and how much desire we have for something. Basically, conviction determines our conduct. Without conviction life is aimless. There is no purpose without conviction and we will be easily influenced by people and their opinions Eph. 4:14. With conviction, there is purpose and fulfillment in our lives and we can reach our potential.

Conviction comes from the Word. We are instructed to operate in the convictions that are based on the Word of God. Rom. 12:2. This Scripture tells us to get out minds renewed so that our will can come into line with the will of God. As our will line up with the Word of God our convictions will be seen by others.

The Bible is full of men and woman who would not compromise their faith in God, Rather, they stood on the Word of the Lord their conviction that what God said was true, no matter what man said. We can see these people in the Old Testament and the New.

Daniel had convictions. Daniel had made up his mind to live his life according to his convictions. Da. 1:8. Notice that it says that "...Daniel purposed in his heart ..." This means that Daniel has a conviction about what he ate, and was willing to speak up and say so, no matter what he faced with the decision made because of that conviction.

Daniel would not compromise convictions. Daniel refused to compromise his prayer time, through he :..knew that writing signed..." Da. 6:10. It cost Daniel a night in the lion's den, but he was none the worse for wear when it was over with. The men who tried to get Daniel killed were killed in his place. Daniel's refusal to compromise his convictions brought about his safety, rather than his death.

Refusal to bow to the emperor's command is a great example. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow to the image of the idol and so they faced the furnace. It is interesting that they said, "...let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your gods..." Da. 3:18. They did not have to consult with each other or take a vote as to how they would answer. It came out of a conviction that God was God and there was no other! So do we need to get it settled that He is God and there is no other. Ish. 44:6-8.

Rehab the heathen is sure of Jehovah as God. She risked her life to protect the spies. She had heard an did "...know that the Lord hath given you the land..." Jos. 2:9. There was danger in hiding the spies from the King of Jericho, but she did what her convictions told her was right.

Stephen, though threatened with death, spoke out his convictions. It is a tough thing to know that your are about to die, yet speak that which you are sure of. Stephen, a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem, had seen the miracles of God at the hands of the apostles. He had seen God move in answer of prayer.

He knew the Pharises and Saduccees and incited the crowd to crucify Jesus. He knew that his testimony and preaching was coming against the religious spirits of that day and place. Yet he preached. Acts. 7:1. his testifying of Jesus standing at the right hand of God brought about his stoning. Acts 7:55-60. Yet Stephen would not compromise, and died for his convictions.

Paul preached the Gospel, despite the religious people's opposition. Paul was convinced so greatly about the truth of the Gospel, he underwent terrible treatment that some might be saved. He preached when he knew it would cost him a beating. When I post my Hubs about the Gospel some people like them and some don't, even ones who claim to be believers, but I will not compromise and I will die for my convictions! My mission from God, is too get the truth out and my guide is the Bible and the Holy Spirit. I have the best of the best backing me up!

Paul paid a high price for his convictions and you will too, I soon learned. People who believe will live and die for the faith their convictions of right and truth. Conviction is not always seeing things come out as you wish. Many in the Bible had convictions, yet did not receive as we tend to wish or hope for He. 11:13-15.

These people did not receive what they were believing, yet they did not flinch or back up from their conviction. they saw afar off the answer that God had promised, and they would stand, no matter what came against them. Too often we do not stand. We get moved by the circumstances and then give up! These people never gave up. that is why they are in the Hebrews Hall of Faith. Integrity is the substance that leaders are made of. When we compromise and do not walk in integrity, it erodes our ministry.

Ministry must be carried out with pure motives. God thinks in terms of purpose, and the purpose of integrity is for us to be an effective witness to the world for the Kingdom of God. Eph. 4:12.

If you haven't accepted Christ as your Savior simply say in an audible voice, in all sincerity from the depths of your heart, "Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of my sins and accept me as Your child. I accept You as my personal Savior and I promise to follow the instructions of Your Word from this day on. If I fail because I am human, please help pick me up so I can try again! Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from all my sins. AMEN."




Go with God and be Blessed!

Dr Pastor Carlotta Boles
Christian Music | Online Church

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