Convictions

Margaret Thatcher is being remembered as a politician whose life was driven by her fundamental convictions. 

Somewhat surprisingly, after her first General Election victory, she quoted the saying of St. Francis of Assisi, 'Make me an instrument of peace.' 

But unlike many other politicians, she had the courage of her convictions, and was determined to put those convictions into practice. She was also able to see when she had been wrong, as over the Poll Tax.

It makes me wonder whether followers of Jesus have the same level of courage over their convictions. 

I am both challenged and encouraged by St. Paul's comments about where his deepest convictions lie. ' For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Romans 1.16-17)

This conviction shaped Paul's life and it should be shaping mine too. There is no other medicine out there that can fix this broken world, and the lives of the broken people that I meet daily.

But how can we be tough enough to keep living by our convictions? Paul had the answer for that too! 'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8.38-39)

To know that we will never be abandoned by the Lord, and that He will be our guardian and guide, will help us stick to our convictions about the direction and destiny of our lives. 

Today, I ask myself the following questions - and I guess Margaret Thatcher asked herself these questions too!

What are my deepest conviction? Do I have the courage to put them into practice, whatever the circumstances? Who am I trying to please?

Best wishes,

Richard