Convictions Can Cost You
Luke 17:33 (NIV)
Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.
Standing firm in your convictions often comes at a price. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew this firsthand. When faced with the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they did not waver in their commitment to God. They understood that standing for what was right—no matter the cost—was more important than preserving their earthly comfort. They said, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods" (Daniel 3:17-18).
This bold declaration wasn’t just a statement of faith; it was a declaration of cost. They knew that following God might require personal sacrifice, even to the point of death. But they also knew that the eternal reward far outweighed any earthly comfort they might have lost. The same is true for us today. When we stand firm for our faith, we might face ridicule, loss of relationships, or even our livelihood. But in those moments, God calls us to keep our eyes on Him, trusting that He will provide what we need.
Look at the example of Polycarp, an early Christian martyr. Faced with the choice of denying Christ or facing execution, he stood firm. When threatened with fire, he declared that the fire of this world was nothing compared to the eternal fire of judgment for the ungodly. Polycarp’s unwavering faith, despite the cost, demonstrates the price of conviction. And yet, the eternal reward was worth it. God calls us to live with that same boldness—willing to lose our earthly lives in order to gain eternal life.
Prayer:
Father, we recognize that standing for You may cost us something, but we trust that the reward will always be greater. Give us the courage to choose You over the world. Help us to stay steadfast, knowing that nothing we lose in this life compares to what we gain in You. Amen.
Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.
Standing firm in your convictions often comes at a price. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew this firsthand. When faced with the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they did not waver in their commitment to God. They understood that standing for what was right—no matter the cost—was more important than preserving their earthly comfort. They said, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods" (Daniel 3:17-18).
This bold declaration wasn’t just a statement of faith; it was a declaration of cost. They knew that following God might require personal sacrifice, even to the point of death. But they also knew that the eternal reward far outweighed any earthly comfort they might have lost. The same is true for us today. When we stand firm for our faith, we might face ridicule, loss of relationships, or even our livelihood. But in those moments, God calls us to keep our eyes on Him, trusting that He will provide what we need.
Look at the example of Polycarp, an early Christian martyr. Faced with the choice of denying Christ or facing execution, he stood firm. When threatened with fire, he declared that the fire of this world was nothing compared to the eternal fire of judgment for the ungodly. Polycarp’s unwavering faith, despite the cost, demonstrates the price of conviction. And yet, the eternal reward was worth it. God calls us to live with that same boldness—willing to lose our earthly lives in order to gain eternal life.
Prayer:
Father, we recognize that standing for You may cost us something, but we trust that the reward will always be greater. Give us the courage to choose You over the world. Help us to stay steadfast, knowing that nothing we lose in this life compares to what we gain in You. Amen.
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