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Monday, July 9, 2007

Lives of Conviction

Acceptance of everyone's differing beliefs is all well and good as long as it doesn't mean that you are willing to allow everyone to go their merry ways without hearing what you believe. Our lives should be lives of conviction, conviction so strong that when we hear or see something out of place we stand up make certain it is recognized as such. Too often I have heard people say "That's fine if that's what you want to believe, but you shouldn't try to change everyone to believe as you do."

Are they correct? Should we give people their space and let them follow a path other than the one we have learned from Jesus Christ? No! If our beliefs are founded on truth then they need to hear it, they need to know it, they need to experience and understand it. My favorite response to people who tell me that they "think it is nice that I believe in Jesus but that it just isn't for them" is: "We can't both be right. One of us believes in truth, the other believes in a lie, you must decide which one is a lie based on the evidence."

I support individuality, in fact I applaud it! I seek never to let the pressures of society change me into someone I do not want to be. Stand alone if necessary (and I have often found that it is) but don't ever sacrifice your convictions. Stand by them! Let people see that you know what you believe, that you believe it with all of your soul, that you know why you believe it, and that you will accept no compromise.

We are all unique individuals with unique gifts co-existing in an imperfect world. We have the ability to lead by example to the arms of the Savior... so let's do it.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen!
Kelley

Anonymous said...

Amen Scott. This belief that everyone can create their own essence is so popular. If I point to a tree and say "that's a duck", it doesn't make me right. But there have been times that I actually get this response: "well, if you really believe that's a duck, then that makes it a duck for you. But to me, it's a tree. You're not wrong." *gasp* As Christians we need to stand firm in the faith - no wavering. Jesus Christ is the only way!

Anonymous said...

That's a great point Shayna. I think 'not wavering' is probably one of the biggest struggles for baby Christians. Which is why it is so important to encourage them.
Kelley

WELCOME TO THE WRITING SITE OF SCOTT APPLETON

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." -Proverbs 16:24

In a world where morality is forsaken and Christ neglected, wholesome books are uncommon. The themes of my writing are love, self-sacrifice, and honor.

I see my generation turning from God to the gods of this world. I see homes torn apart in the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification. Children are murdered by the millions every year . . . without ever seeing the world outside their mothers' wombs. Through fiction I strive to encourage those who are willing, to stand against these things and be heroes and heroines; chivalrous, gentle, full of righteous indignation, and the fear and love of their Creator.