The Path of Conviction – Tim Vail leadingtolife.org

Many today claim to believe God, but that belief has little influence on their behavior – living by preferences, not convictions. Standing for something because of what others do or don’t do, given to peer pressure, these beliefs are preferences, not convictions. As laid out in this article, belief without action is not conviction, it’s just a type of intellectual righteousness. What is biblical conviction?

Conviction is about how strong our beliefs and principles really are, revealed through our actions. It is about both being willing to change self and to stand against external influence. It is also about the intent of the heart, not just a legalistic observance. A conviction is a belief that is held tightly because it’s built on faith based on what God reveals. Conviction comes from exercise in our lives through daily decisions. It’s acting on faith, faith being a belief of what scripture says about what is right and what is wrong. James said it this way “You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (Jam 2:18)