We all admire men and women of conviction, recognizing an innate awareness that we should stand for certain principles regardless of the cost. Conviction is essential to faithful living, character building, loyalty, integrity, and faithfulness to God. The strength of our convictions directly influences whether we compromise and sin. This strength is not only tested in critical moments but is built through day-by-day decisions, preparing us for times when everything may be at stake. As scrutiny of Christians intensifies, our convictions may face severe tests. Legal guidelines in the United States, as established by the Supreme Court, distinguish between religious convictions and preferences, protecting only convictions under the Constitution. A conviction requires the ability to describe and show personal knowledge of one's beliefs, ensuring they are individually held. A preference, though strongly held, is a belief that can be changed under pressures such as peer influence, family concerns, fear of lawsuits, jail, or even death. Convictions must be lived consistently, aligning lifestyle with belief, as the Court looks for evidence of faith in action. If God orders something, it should be a conviction, and failing to follow it would be disobedience. We must be prepared to live out our beliefs, even under scrutiny, ensuring our actions match our stated convictions. To develop convictions that endure, we must daily exercise our senses by yielding to God, coming to know Him through life's experiences, and making choices that please and glorify Him.

Conviction is the product of a process, deeply rooted in our relationship with God. This process requires active participation, for without effort, the relationship deteriorates, and so does our knowledge of Him. We must yield to His way to build the kind of conviction necessary for the growth He desires in us. Neglecting this relationship leads to a drift, as seen in those who once burned with enthusiasm but allowed their bond with God to degenerate through neglect. True conviction is not a mere preference but a steadfast belief that withstands even the greatest pressures. It is exemplified in those who, despite threats and risks, remain unswayed because they trust in God's word. Conviction grows through daily practice of His way, training our senses to discern right from wrong. As we engage in this process, our convictions firm up, becoming a reliable guide when needed most. Faith is the foundation of conviction, and faithfulness is faith in action, carrying out responsibilities with reliability and trustworthiness. Conviction, built on faith, drives us to make right choices, even when they demand great sacrifice. It is a fervent belief in God's promises, compelling us to act with resolve, knowing that what He has declared is as good as done. Through this ongoing process, we strengthen our convictions, ensuring they are not mere preferences but unyielding commitments to His path.

Conviction is a product of the relationship with God, not a sudden inspiration to stand up for Him, but a quality that builds through experiences with Him as the center of life. It grows from knowing Him, perceiving His nature, discerning right from wrong, and envisioning His purpose, all of which strengthen convictions to prove what we are in the day of trial. The growth of conviction depends on day-to-day faithfulness in the little things of life. Moses, at age forty, acted on strong beliefs when he forsook Egypt to join the Israelite slaves, but his actions were premature and lacked seeking God's guidance. His beliefs at that time were merely preferences, as he feared consequences and was concerned about others' opinions, showing a lack of true conviction. It took forty years for God to shape Moses, transforming his impetuous nature into humility and readiness to be used according to God's timetable. Only then did Moses develop the right convictions, acting without fear before Pharaoh, convinced that his actions were God-ordered. Initially, Moses promoted himself to act, but after forty years, he hesitated, recognizing his weaknesses and resisting until God overcame his doubts with assurances and signs. This process illustrates how God works to produce needed conviction, patiently addressing fears and justifications until one is ready to act in harmony with His will. When Moses finally faced Pharaoh, he no longer quailed, turning to God for guidance and carrying through with needed actions, demonstrating a conviction that God was with him, rendering fear irrelevant. Moses' early actions, though sincere, were futile because they were not aligned with God's will. Only after being humbled and coming to know God over those forty years did his convictions align with God's purpose, producing the right fruit as Israel was released from slavery. True conviction emerges from living in harmony with God, expending energy in doing His will, and yielding to His discipline day by day, resulting in a faith that stands firm when called into account.