For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our
gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and with deep conviction. (1Thessalonians 1:4,5).
Everyone lives a life of conviction. Whatever we give our greatest time to,
our greatest energies, and our greatest resources to is a good indication of
where our convictions lie. Some live a life of conviction about sports. Some
live a life of conviction around pleasure. Still others live a life of
conviction about very little that matters at all.
Whenever God chooses to do a deep work in a life a strong conviction is born
of the Holy Spirit. A conversion in the early church resulted in changed
lives that held to a deep, life- threatening conviction regarding what they
believed and how they lived out that belief. Paul explains that the gospel
they received came not just in words, but also in power with the Holy Spirit
and with deep conviction.
In order to impact the marketplace for Jesus Christ each of us must be
reflecting a faith that is demonstrated through deeply held convictions. Are
you living a life of deep conviction that spurs you on to reflect the power
of Christ in your life and the lives of others? Paul was willing to suffer
great persecution for his faith in a living God. God calls each of us to a
life that is supernatural, not simply a good, moral life. The early church
understood the role the Holy Spirit played in demonstrating this power of
the gospel. It was this deep work that resulted in living the gospel with
great conviction. If you are not living the gospel with great conviction,
ask the Holy Spirit to so fill your life today that the power of His Spirit
is truly reflected in your life so that you may impact others in your
marketplace.