Fully Convinced

"One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind."

Romans 14:5

As I continue to learn and understand more concerning God and His word, my grasp of theology has improved.  I have a much better idea why I believe what I do, having been convinced by the word of God, sound teaching, study and seeking the LORD in fellowship with Christians.  At a Bible study recently I heard quite a different perspective from mine, and it has been profitable to prompt people to seek the LORD and read His word to see where they stand.  God holds each of us responsible to know why we believe what we believe, and He patiently allows us time to grow and mature.  We should resist the temptation to tell people what to believe but explain what the Bible says.  This will help their faith to be founded in Scripture rather than in a study leader.

There are many essential doctrines Christians ought not budge on, especially concerning the deity of Christ and the message of the Gospel.  There is room, however, for people to have their own convictions and interpretations of Scripture that may differ from others.  Some churches in the same denomination may have a culture and approach that is quite distinct from one another, and this reflects the diversity within each one church fellowship in regards to individuals.  In God's wisdom He has seen fit to unite people by faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit in His body the church, people who have different gifts, perspectives and convictions.  It follows that at any given time, we are at different places on our journey in spiritual maturity and understanding--and we ought to be patient with others as God as He (and others!) have been patient with us.

It shows maturity when Christians can express different convictions without being divisive.  Knowing we hold a different view does not mean we ought to hammer away on others to change their minds by force.  Rather, we ought to look to the LORD and rejoice in all we share in common in Christ.  When I was a kid, I was a San Diego Chargers fan and my brother liked the Chicago Bears.  There was no confusion at all concerning where we stood, and we did not quarrel over which team was better; we did not taunt each another if the team the others supported came last.  We were still brothers who loved each other, and that was more important than our differences.  While sound theology is far more important than the team one supports, in the body of Christ we can be stoop to the level of immature children by mocking one another for having a different view.  The person with a better understanding of Scripture can show less maturity and love by sowing discord concerning a Christian who was like Apollos who lacked understanding until the way was explained more perfectly.

Paul urged in 2 Timothy 4:1-2:  "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ² preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."  In our preaching, teaching and conversing with others, our aim should not to be to take shots at others with different views but to hold forth the word of God rightly divided, being patient with others who still need convincing concerning sound doctrines that took us years to grasp.  We might never be on the same page with others concerning their eschatological position or a great many other subjects, but we can walk in love and give grace as we stand on the word of God, knowing what we believe and why.  Paul wasn't pedantic about personal convictions God has given us freedom in believing, and we ought to extend this grace to others as well.  We should be fully convinced to love one another no matter what.