Convictions--What are they?

Convictions—What are They?

Scripture Reading: Genesis 39:1-18

Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully.  “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.  But Joseph refused.  How could I do such a wicked thing?  It would be a great sin against God.  (Gen. 39:6b,7a,9b NLT)

Joseph was a man of principle and conviction.  When Potiphar’s wife attempted to get Joseph to commit adultery he refused and defended his actions by claiming such action would be a great sin against God.  Not a sin against her or her husband, but a sin against his Holy God. It is apparent from this context that Joseph believed in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman for life.

     Around the lake where I live there are approximately forty or fifty ducks and geese.  Whenever it rains (we’ve had a wet spring) puddles of water gather on our sidewalk and in the back yard.  A beautiful Mallard duck and his mate (they mate for life) spend most of their time splashing around in the water.  The male does not allow any of the other ducks or geese to interfere with his relationship with his mate.  When any other duck or goose gets too friendly he chases them away.

     Joseph had the same conviction as our ducks and geese friends.  He had no intention of interfering with the relationship between his master and his wife.  Of course, the same was not true of Potiphar’s wife as she persisted in her attempts to seduce Joseph.  Joseph made a final refusal and ran away from her leaving her with a vindictive spirit, whereupon she accused him of rape.  Without being given an opportunity to defend himself against the false accusation, Joseph was thrown into prison.

     What do we mean when we say, “We have convictions?”  We are claiming to have a system of belief about certain issues of life.  Upon what should our convictions or belief be based?  Biblical convictions must be based upon truths found in the Word of God.  God’s word is our standard by which we compare and judge truth or untruth. 

     Periodically, we need to stop and check our belief system.  What do we believe about the sanctity of marriage?  Is it God ordained?  Is marriage between one man and one woman?  Is it for life?  Or do we believe it’s okay to bail out whenever it becomes inconvenient or something better comes along?  The word of God has answers to all these searching questions. 

     Trust the Holy Spirit dwelling within you to guide you in finding the truth, and allow God to mold your convictions based upon the Scriptures. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that my convictions will be supported by the word of God.