“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm, let nothing move you.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
“The world that surrounds and calls to you has no moral compass, no true north.”
My thoughts today are about “convictions.”
There seems to be a frightening lack of real convictions. A conviction is defined as, “a firm and strong belief.” Too often, too many have traded conviction for convenience. They believe one thing, at least until they change their mind. Beliefs are negotiable, open to re-interpretation as the moment or personal advantage suits.
Politicians lead only after checking the polls of public opinion. Elected officials worry more about re-election than about governing. Business executives compromise moral values for a boosted stock price or inflating the value of their own shares. Manufacturers may cheapen their products durability or safety for the sake of their company’s bottom line.
Entertainers can sell their soul for celebrity and wealth. A spouse can violate the sanctity of their heart and marriage for a moment of foolish pleasure. A teen will violate a parent’s trust to gain the fleeting approval of a wrong crowd. Such behavior is the result of people who lack personal conviction. Absolutes are unpopular; consensus is king. Truth is relative; values are flexible. Right and wrong are debatable. Everyday there is evidence that that “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything!” Alexander Hamilton, 1757-1804. Life is best when you know clearly what you stand for.
A compass always points to true north. You can trust it; it is reliable. The world and culture has no moral compass, no true north. Peter’s call to the crowd gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost is needed even more today, “strongly urging . . save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!” Acts 2:40 NLT. Don’t forget who you, what you are about, and where you are going. When you do, you lose your way and ultimately lose yourself.
You need to determine what is non-negotiable for you, what you will not compromise, what you will not adjust. Do not let the crowd set the price for your soul. Do not permit the culture around you – its fads, fashions, or fascinations (See 1 Corinthians 7:31) – to dictate your lifestyle, pursuits, and priorities. You cannot know who you really are, or who you are meant to be in Christ, until you firmly fix your bottom line morally and spiritually. For the Christ-follower, such a decision is not left to whim or private interpretation. Isaiah promised “There will be a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it . . where a man, though a fool, will not err therein.” Isaiah 30:21/35:8.
For today’s verse, I still prefer the old English phrasing: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV. Standing fast; standing firm, standing fruitful in the work of the Lord. A life lived that way will never be lived in vain. That’s how I want my life to be; that’s how I pray your life will be! My advice is: “Having done everything to stand, stand firm therefore . . with the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-18. God’s Word firmly in your heart is where it all begins.
My prayer for you is that you will live with clear and firm conviction of God’s righteousness.