Let me ask… what are you passionate about? What is it that gives you great courage to speak up? What stirs your heart so much you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the word out? We live in a world where people are fighting for all sorts of things… their rights, equal pay, protection of animals, freedom, unjust rules, fairness, among so many other things. Those who are fighting for something they believe in have unbelievable courage, even if they may face arrest, imprisonment, or even death. So we may ask… what guides these people? I would say it’s a strong conviction. Whether or not their pleas are misguided or may seem silly to us, they have a strong conviction. And this conviction spurs them on.
Here's the thing… conviction brings forth courage. I think everyone has conviction about something. I also believe the stronger the conviction the more courage we will have to speak up, stand up, and show up. Maybe the reason why so many Christians are just pew warmers, lukewarm, or often engage in bad behavior is because they are not really convicted of God’s Word. Christians need conviction… they need a firmly held belief that what God says is truth and His mandates should be followed.
The Bible is filled with people who were great men and women of conviction and courage. Here are a few… Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; prophets like Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah; Stephen, the apostle Paul, and many of the early Christians. I wouldn’t say the church today is FILLED with convicted and courageous believers, but there are still many. I don’t know about you, but I want to stand side-by-side with those whose conviction spurred them on, or is spurring them on, to act in courage.
So, what brings forth conviction? I believe our verse today speaks of it… it’s when we allow God’s word to pierce our hearts. When the people heard Peter speak, his words cut to the core of their hearts. God’s Word should do that for all of us. Every time we open God’s Word, we should pray… “Lord, speak to me. Awaken my heart. Quicken my mind. Open my eyes. Let me hear You speak.” When we approach God’s Word like this… we will be convicted. Our belief will get so much stronger. And when that happens, we will become much more courageous in our witness. Let’s be believers with great conviction and courage.