I’m currently reading Josh Harris’s Dug Down Deep bit by bit in the evenings and am thoroughly enjoying it. Recently, I was reading the chapter on sanctification and appreciate his balanced perspective and his focus on the heart above external conformity. Here’s a quote that stood out to me:
When I use the word conviction, I’m talking about a heart-level, settled belief before God that doesn’t change with our environment. Conviction is something we believe, not because someone is making us, not because we have to, but because we are convinced it’s what God would have us believe.
Compliance isn’t conviction. Conformity to other people’s standards isn’t conviction. Adapting to a church culture isn’t conviction. Biblical conviction is the result of the study of Scripture, careful thought, discussion, and the search for wisdom. It requires work. It requires the humility to test the results of our choices and change our actions when necessary. Most important it requires a laser focus on God. (p. 170)
It’s very easy to follow the “Christian culture” all around you and have what you think are convictions but merely be conforming to the expectations of your circle of Christians. You can do what looks spiritual on the outside and still have a heart far from God. Conviction needs to be settled from the heart level. Sanctification is not putting on all the right actions on the surface. True sanctification involves God changing the heart and then molding your mind so true conviction and right actions flow from the heart.
