Lately it has become my new favorite word. “Convinced.” What does it really mean? If we start with a dictionary definition this is what we find for the passive use of the verb:

Convinced– “having been brought to a rock-solid belief in something.”

These days it’s hard to find folk with a rock solid belief in anything. We live in a subjective world where everything is relative– up for grabs. Our culture gets grayer by the moment as certainty falls by the wayside. Relativism is a popular alternative to moral absolutism.

Relativism– “the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.”

To declare that something is either right or wrong will usually attract a challenge on the grounds that no one has the absolute moral authority to do so. And it’s not limited to issues of morality. Now even scientific fact and mathematical certitude are in danger of being roundly rejected. Everything is considered fluid– even gender! Individuals who make-up their own facts are placed on an even plane with those who live according proven and established facts. That’s a frightening world to live in.

How long can a legal system of “equal justice under law” function in a relativist society? Are there such thing as “rock solid facts” anymore? Can facts ever be established beyond a reasonable doubt? If not, then how will justice ever be carried out fairly and evenly?

I’m aware that everything is not simply black or white. I agree that some things ARE relative– things based on personal opinion, bias, and even cultural context. And we certainly cannot predict future events and call them facts.

But when there is nothing firm to stand on, we have nothing to build our lives upon. That’s why I am a firm believer in the Bible and the God of the Bible. I don’t understand everything in that amazing timeless book, nor do I claim to see all things clearly. But there are many things of which I am CONVINCED– those things have become my convictions– and they are not up for grabs. There are many more that I could list, but here are three that are the most rock solid of all.

1. I know, that I know, that I know that God loves me, and wants the very best for my life. He doesn’t love me because I’m good, or because I’m smart, or because I’m super dedicated to Him. He just loves me, period. I am convinced!
2. I know, that I know, that I know that He is a miracle worker. “Miracle” is defined as: “a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.” I can’t make miracles happen, I cannot deserve miracles to happen, nor can I demand that miracles happen. But God has given us the right to pray for miracles, and I will do it for as long as I remain on the earth. I am no longer a skeptic. I am a firm believer in the miracle power of God. I am convinced!
3. I know, that I know, that I know, that Jesus Christ has forgiven my many sins, and has washed me clean through what He did for me on the cross. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me and I have a daily relationship with my Creator. I am a member of His family. I have meaning and purpose in my life because I belong to the Father. I know my identity, and will not trade it for anything.

I am CONVINCED that in this crazy, mixed-up, relativist world I am not a victim. I am absolutely confident that I have A PLACE TO STAND.

“I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:3–5 (NLT)