ConVICteD

Good morning, family and friends.

Got a question for you before you start downing your cup of coffee and before your work day becomes the chaotic mess we all have come to love and expect.

What would it take to make you give up on your convictions?

Conviction, according to Dictionary.com, is defined as "A fixed or firm belief, the state of being convinced."

The English major can't help but notice that the word "convict" is neatly placed in the word conviction. Whether it be in the legal sense and in a court of law or public opinion or in personal application, it's all about being convinced. What would make you change your mind? What would make you move from your position?

I had a friend of mines that I knew for several years. We weren't best friends but we worked closely together and spent probably every break together. My friend had a couple pet peeves but was a HUGE advocate against smoking. Not many days went by when I didn't hear a rant about the subject. My friend thought it one of the most disgusting and loathsome habits a person could have. They would readily and routinely avoid anyone who dared have such a habit. My friend met someone and fell in love with them almost instantly. The person my friend met, dated, and fell in love with, was and is an avid smoker. They'll soon be married. Hmm. You see that, right?

I thought this particularly profound for those who hold any moral standard, religious or political belief, or that consider themselves "good" people in a "bad" world. In today's climate, it behooved me to step back and look at the drama and ALL the proponents of it. Even what part we play in it all. It takes a combination of actors, electricians, stage hands, producers, sound techs, directors, writers, and set designers to make a stage production.

In the political world, we are witnessing epic battles where people refuse to budge or let up from their convictions initially but decide based on the right impetus. Religious leaders are lashing out at each other and refusing to be inclusive of others based on a denominational standard. Businesses and corporations have a code of conduct but it's often circumvented depending on certain factors like managerial discretion and fear of turnover or bad morale. Different strokes for different folks the way I see it.

At any time, we could all be victim to our own desires and our circumstances but what will make you move out of position? Change is coming whether we like it or not. The question is will we change with it or will we remain "convicted" on the important issues.

Imagine (if it doesn't totally freak you out) being in the middle of a hurricane that you didn't expect. You are in the middle of a street and this torrent comes down upon you. What is your first instinct? Do you run for cover? Do you just lay down on the ground and wait it out? Or do you reach for something stable that will not move?

I want something stable to hold onto. I don't want to "go with the flow" in this case, because you will be blown away with the "flow". I want to be grounded. I don't want to be like this....

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. A person who has doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can’t make up his mind about anything." (James 1:6-8 GWT)

Or this....

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14 KJV)

Think really long and hard about what will make you shift your position. Re-evaluate the position and your place within it. Ensure that is it something you want to do and not something others obligate you to do. Popular opinion may beckon you to join their club or group but at the end of the day, you must live with your decision. Determine beforehand if the stance you choose is worth the price you may be asked to pay because there is indeed a cost.

"For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36 NIV)

Thanks for reading Mirror Time. Have a great day!