Define Your Convictions

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8

Yesterday we learned from Daniel the importance of putting your foot down for what you believe, and how one way to do that is by drawing boundaries. Today we’re going to discuss another way you can put your foot down as we continue to study the story of Daniel.

In addition to drawing boundaries, the second thing Daniel did was define his convictions. There is an obvious difference among the boys in attendance at this dinner because of all the Jewish boys there, only Daniel and his three buddies drew a line in the sand. But what was the difference? All the boys were Jews. All had been brought up to believe in God. All were taught God’s Word. All had been brought up to believe there was a difference between right and wrong. What made these four guys so different?

Here is the difference. All of them had beliefs, but Daniel and his friends had convictions. There is a tremendous difference between holding a belief and having a conviction. A belief is what you have in your head; a conviction is what you hold in your heart. A belief says, “I am convinced of this truth.” A conviction says, “I am committed to this truth.” People will argue for their beliefs, but they will die for their convictions.

This is why it’s so important that we define our convictions, and that means going deep enough in our relationship with the Lord to do so. As we see in this story, belief is not the same as conviction. Even the devil believes in God. You must take it a step further and define your convictions based on God’s Word and His Holy Spirit working in you if you want to honor Him and withstand whatever temptation comes your way.

Dear Lord, I want to have strong convictions, and I want to have the courage to stand by them. I pray that you will make me like Daniel and give me the strength to stay true to my convictions even when they’re challenged so that I might honor you. In Jesus’ name, amen.