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Bold Leaders Are: Constrained By Conviction

Have you ever walked past a house and been met by the sound of a guard dog barking at you? Security guards also serve a similar function, being put in place to protect a specific location or person, keeping the good in and the bad out, and guarding prized possessions. Effective security guards need to be strategically and rigorously trained to do their jobs well, knowing how to identify and avoid hazards, dangers or threats.

Our convictions are like security guards. Put in place to protect our souls, our minds and our spirit. They help us to have wisdom in decision making, courage in complex situations, and giving us discernment in relationships. Convictions not only protect our personal lives, but they also protect our reputation, our dreams, our relationships, and our future. When you realize your convictions are guarding your most prized possessions, you become constrained by conviction to protect them. 

Someone in the Bible that was constrained by conviction is Caleb. He knew the promises of God, not only in his life, but the lives of others around him. In Numbers chapter 13, Moses sent the leaders of the Israelites into an unknown land. They saw the land was flowing with milk and honey, and believed this was what God had promised. Despite potential danger and obstacles, Caleb stood on his conviction that the Lord was with the Israelites and He would lead them into the promised land. Caleb, being constrained by conviction, could see the promise beyond its setbacks. He knew the promised land was a home for the next generation of Israelites. Their most prized possession. Most importantly he knew the promises of God. 

When you have the revelation that what you’re a part of is bigger than the part you play like Caleb did, you become constrained by conviction.

Bold leaders are constrained by conviction that is aligned with God’s word. When our convictions are aligned to the word of God, we will truly become the people God has called us to be.

Bold leaders are called to live by conviction rather than convenience. Temptations usually come in the form of something that is convenient, easy, and pleasurable, but taking the easy way out will never truly take us where God is calling us. Conviction will keep you where talent and gifting can’t sustain you. When we develop convictions aligned to God’s word, we will stand strong in times of temptation, knowing that God always provides a way out.

Bold leaders are constrained by conviction when they walk closely with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate helper in developing conviction. First Thessalonians 1:4 (MSG) says “When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.” When we walk with the Holy Spirit, we will be empowered to live a life consistent with the gospel.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS  

• What convictions do you have set in your life that will help you fulfill your calling and reach your potential?  
• What areas do you feel need more conviction in your life?  
• What would these convictions do for you, your relationships and relationship with God? 

PRAYER

Lord, I want to thank you for protecting my soul, mind and spirit. I pray you would guide me every day and that the Holy Spirit would convict me where it’s needed. Help me develop convictions in my life that will enable me to serve you boldly in every area of my life. Lord, I trust you in your correction. Help me to walk in the freedom, strength and conviction that only you can give. In Jesus' name.