convictions frame the activity of your faith

A few Sundays ago my pastor said something that I have played over and over in my mind.  He said, "Convictions frame the activity of your faith."  And then he went on to say, "Faith requires actions." Convictions.  Activity (aka ACTIONS) and faith.  I think we can all agree that the old saying, "actions speak louder than words" rings true in almost every way of life.  I read parenting blogs and books all the time that say the best way to teach your child anything is to show them.  (Side note: becoming a parent will surely expose your weaknesses faster than you can blink and has left me calling out to Jesus at ALL hours of the day for HELP!  Because for real, I'm trying so hard to not screw it up.  Luckily G is still too young to call me out, ha and even luckier still, Jesus covers me in grace).  But if we claim to have faith and believe that Jesus is who he says he is, isn't the best way for others to know what we believe by the way we act?  I believe that words have power too, trust me.  And that we have to be bold and gracious in the words we use, but what about our actions?

There has been a fire stirring in my heart for a little while.  Something I've kept to myself for awhile too.  I needed clarity, I needed focus and I needed Jesus (and maybe a little kick in the pants!).  All of those things, all coming from above, have provided me with convictions.  Convictions about callings on my life that I have yet to answer.  Convictions that I can't ignore.  I used to have such a negative attitude toward convictions.  The word in itself scared me.  It's because I associated it with guilt.  To me, they were one in the same.  Gosh is that a lie.  They could not be farther in meaning from one another.  Convictions provide clarity and focus in a world that tells you, "anything goes."  Convictions give us freedom.  Freedom to pursue God's will for our lives un-phased by the lies around us.  

And then I got in the car.  And this song came on.  It's one of my faves.  So I unconsciously turned it up and started my jam session.  Only to be convicted again by the words of the song.  

It ought to be more like falling in love, than something to believe in

More like losing my heart, than giving my allegiance

And then I started thinking about the time I fell in love with Matt.  We were youngins' with each other as a priority.  I wanted to tell all of my friends about how wonderful he is (and still do!).  I wanted to spend all my time with him, and learn more about him and about the things that he loved.  We were only dating for less than 9 months before we got engaged.  I was just so excited.  That's why I love this song so much.  Because that's how it is supposed to be with Jesus only a million times better, because Jesus is the only true, pure love that we can know.  Shouldn't I want to tell everyone about Him?  Shouldn't I want to spend all my time with Him?  Than why don't I?

Life I suppose?  But this is where my wandering heart has been lately.  Digesting convictions, acting out my faith and singing praises for grace the whole way through.  Oh and dressing up my toddler in her elephant costume every day attempting to get a decent photo.  (She makes a reallllly cute elephant y'all.)  

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend and I pray you won't shy away from your convictions.  Meet them head on and figure out which way they are leading you.

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