Convinced to Convince

I am convinced that in the body of Christ we have far too few convincers.  Ah, but that is changing.

Text for Today – Romans 14:14 – I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus . . .

“If you will convince others, first be convinced yourself.”  I first read these words many years ago in a book by Leonard Ravenhill, though I am not sure if he is the originator of that statement.  Still, it is very true.  Of this next statement, I am sure it was made by Leonard Ravenhill; “Today’s New Testament experience is so subnormal that a normal New Testament experience would seem abnormal.”  That may not be true in all cases, but I sadly believe it is true in many cases.  Could this be one of the reasons so many in our churches today have such an unconvincing witness?  Are so many Christians so little convinced of the real power of God in their own lives that they find it difficult to convince others of the power of God that is available?

How convinced are you?  Are you so convinced of His love for you that you can face anything with no fear at all?  Are you so convinced of His promises to you that you can rise to face any challenge with an overcoming spirit?  Are you so convinced of your identity in Christ that regardless of where you find yourself, there is no way you will forget who you are?  If you are that convinced, you will convince others.

A salesman who is not truly convinced of the quality, craftsmanship, and true need of what he is selling will have difficulty being truly successful as a salesman.  If you will convince others, you must first convince yourself.  A young athlete who is not convinced of his own abilities will likely find it impossible to convince a coach to even give him a chance to try out for the team.  Coaches are looking for confidence as well as skill.  If you will convince others, you must first convince yourself.

If you are not convinced of God’s unconditional love for you, how will you convince others?  If you are not convinced of His ability and desire to heal you, how will you convince others?  If you are not convinced of His ability and desire to see you prosper and have good success, how will you convince others?  In all these cases, the answer is that you will NOT be able to convince others.  In fact, if you are not convinced of all these truths, it is not likely you would even desire to convince others, and knowing the love, power, and will of God, that is such a sad scenario.

Ah, but you can be a real convincer.  The secret is found in Joshua 1:7-9.  Read and re-read that passage, memorize it, learn it by heart, and meditate on it until is lives big in you, and you’ll be a real convincer.

Manna for Today –  Joshua 1:7-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; 3 John 2-4