We were reminded during the weekend message of the difference between convictions and beliefs. True to its name, a belief is something we believe to be true. A conviction takes our beliefs and moves them into action. When it comes to our faith, conviction involves living out the things in Scripture that we claim to believe. After all, when our beliefs become convictions, the genuineness of our faith is proven to everyone around us.
Throughout the book of 1 Peter, Peter encourages Christ followers to live with conviction, putting their faith into action. As he teaches about how Christ followers are to live in 1 Peter 3, he quotes some of Psalm 34, saying, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears open to their prayers” (verse 12). This verse reveals that God desires His people to obey Him and follow His word. He desires His people to live out their faith through the way they live their lives.
The reminder to put our faith into action is not just in the book of 1 Peter. James said it this way in James 1: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (verse 22). He continued, saying that the one who listens to God's word but does not obey is like someone who looks at themselves in the mirror and instantly forgets what they look like after walking away (verses 23-24). The one who obeys Scripture, however, will be blessed by God for their obedience (verse 25). Those who put their faith into action and demonstrate wisdom reap the rewards of their obedience.
The question we have to ask ourselves today is, are we willing to put our faith into action? Perhaps a better question is, Do we truly believe what Scripture says? If we believe Scripture, it stands to reason that our actions will prove our faith in God.
Will you commit to living a life where your obedience demonstrates your faith in God? Take a few moments to think about your life. Are there any areas where you have yet to obey His word? Take time to acknowledge that now. Tell Him that you are sorry for the areas where you have not obeyed, and ask Him to help you live out your faith through your obedient actions.
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
