It is a common thing to hear a person claim they are “convicted” about a certain belief. Their using this word is the way by which they suggest that God is the one who has led them to their conclusion.
The persistent use of this word in connection with one’s theological views produces obvious problems. At the same time one person is claiming God has convicted them that women wearing pants to church is wrong, another is claiming God has convicted them that it is alright. Since neither have a clear-cut biblical basis for their argument, they must play the “conviction” card.
I have personally seen this card used to condone everything from staying home from church to gambling at casinos. It is purposed to be the trump card. The perfect time to play this card is after all cards of debate have been played, and neither participant has clearly convinced the other. When one claims “well, I am convicted” the game is over.
“I am convicted” means they have convinced themselves (without clear biblical basis, else that card would have been played) that God has ordained their view as the one to which all others should conform.
No. What I just wrote is not correct. The “I am convicted” view is not a stamp of approval by God, but rather one who is claiming to have been convinced by God. In other words, how can you possibly argue with one who is claiming to stand simply where God has put them?
According to Mr. Webster, all meanings of the word “convict” carry with them some sort of guilty connotation. The only time people are convicted by God is when He is revealing their sin to them. The word convict never means simply convinced, much less convinced by God.
What people really need to do is be honest. It is not called “a conviction” it is called “an opinion”.
I do know that some will disagree with what I have written. But I want you to know that I am really convicted about this.
12 Days (Day 12)
8 years ago
3 comments:
I have seen people use this phrase also. Generally, I use the word "convicted" to refer to being under conviction of a sin. Knowing I have done wrong or such. I rarely use it outside of this context.
I find the use to which you are referring falls under the same category of saying, "I believe."
The only question I have is this. Do people really use the word to mean God has persuaded them? I've only ever taken it to mean that they, as you said, thoroughly convinced. I guess I just never caught the implication of God in those conversations where people use the word.
Another reason people possibly use the phrase that way is one possible modern definition of the world "conviction" which stands as "a belief". Just thought I'd let you know what I found on dictionary.com
AAAMMMEENNN!!!!!! Ideal with this all the time and have truly used it to get my "OPINION" planted on "solid ground". Thanks for the post.
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