CONVICTIONS, PREFERENCES & STANDARDS
Standards
If you have been to school, then you know what it’s like to be forced to wear the uniform of that school. Not to mention a ton of other rules that you were supposed to follow in that environment. In the same way, the Christian faith is not “every man does what's right in their own eyes” religion. There are “rules and regulations” that have to be followed by every child of God, as per the Christian Bible. Those are the standards of our Faith. A standard is usually non-negotiable and not up for debate. For example: if the Bible says adultery is wrong, then there is no other way around it. Every redeemed of the Lord has to adhere to that. Therefore, if you are one of the Lord’s people today, you fall under the standard of this Christian faith and your life must reflect it. Moreover, fellow believers have no choice but to hold you accountable in that regard.
Secondly, but on a lesser scale, there are personal standards, unique to every Christian. That is when you, yourself, determine that you will do this and you won't do that. For example, I personally do not allow myself to dance in public, whether in church in or anywhere else. That is my own standard, exclusive to me. In fact, I can give you a list of the things I will and will not do as an individual. Those are my own standards of how I want my Christian life to be.
The point is: every Saint must adhere to the prescribed Christian standard and every child of God must have their own personal standards of how they are going to glorify their Master.
Convictions
A Conviction is a strong belief about something. It is an absolute certainty about a certain issue; something that you are not willing to change anytime soon. It is when you are fully persuaded and completely convinced that something is true. Unlike a standard, a conviction cannot be held by every believer in the same way. It’s a strong belief that only applies to me (and perhaps to those within my influence). To use myself as an example again, I am fully convinced, without a doubt, that the Bible is the Word of God, with no error or mistake. I believe this so much that I am willing to give my life for it. Others may not be on the same page with me on this (at least not as passionate about it), but that is fine. As for me, that is a non-negotiable truth. Some are they who are convinced—strongly so—that believers must worship on Saturday or that it is wrong for a Christian to celebrate Christmas, etc. It has been so impressed in their hearts that they are willing to fight for it. So, the question to you: what are your convictions? You need to have something that you are fully convinced of its reality and are willing to defend it. That is what motivates us to work for our Saviour and to strive, and fight for the Christian cause.
This, for me, is a point of concern because—to quote Bishop J. C. Ryle—“There is a common kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough; a cheap Christianity which offends nobody and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing and is worth nothing.” The point here is that most men and women of this modern Church age have no convictions. Hence they are not willing, and certainly not ready to fight for anything. It is more discouraging to see this disease especially among church leaders. No wonder Christianity seems to have lost its cutting edge. Everyone is relaxed about everything. No pushback to the lies, no contending for the Faith, no fighting, nothing! Somebody, please, have some convictions and be willing to put your life on the line for them.
If perhaps, you are still immature enough to have no convictions of your own, if you are free to adopt somebody else's convictions. That is, look for a godly woman or man, and emulate the faith of that man or woman. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7).
Preferences
Now I take you to Romans 14, where we read these words, “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.” (Rom14:14). Somebody was persuaded within themselves that such & such is unclean, whilst to another believer, everything was permissible. The matter at hand is that there are preferences in the life of every believer. It is when you choose to do something (perhaps without strong biblical support), because you think it’s best for you: based on your reasoning, judgment and experience. For example, going to church for me means dressing strictly in a formal shirt and a tie. It’s what I like and prefer. My other friend might prefer something else, that is within their own choosing. That is where Christian liberty plays a role.
So the main point in all of this is that every believer must be a man who lives by standards, has convictions that motivate his Christian service and leaves enough room for preferences. Nevertheless, it is wise also to know the difference between these three. Because some people mistake their preferences for standards that everyone must live by. That is where they start to condemn those who do not do like them. That is what is called legalism. In fact, what may be a conviction to me, may be a preference to you. And the reverse is true. “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind,” says the Apostle. Moreso, as Romans 14:15 advises, we must never let our preferences and liberties be a stumbling block to others. “Considering of the weak brother” is in itself, a Christian standard that we must all adhere to.
So, as you rise up from reading this, look at your own Christian life: remember those standards of your calling, and resolve to abide by them. Consider a few truths of biblical importance, and be ready to defend them at great cost; lastly, do not lose sight of our freedom in Christ and be grateful for such a privilege, yet without violating your fellow heavenly countrymen. Grace and Peace.
Sinothi Ncube
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