It is said of those listed as church members that, 10% cannot be found, 20% never attend a single service, 25% admit that they never pray, 30% never read the Bible even a little, 40% never give to any church cause, 50% never attend the evening service, 60% give nothing to missions or world evangelism, 75% assume no responsibility in the church, 85% never attend mid-week Bible study, 95% never win a soul to Christ, But 100% expect to go to heaven. The first century church did not have some of the advantages that we have today. However, they accepted the Gospel of Christ with conviction instead of convenience. For example, To preach Christ and the resurrection in the first century church was very dangerous, because of all the persecutions they were facing (Acts 5:40-41; 12:1-3). And some sold all their property, goods, to support the church in the first century (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). A person who does not accept Christ on conviction and does so by convenience will not be a faithful Christian and likely fall back into the world. Webster's Dictionary defines convenience as “anything that adds to one’s comfort or makes work less difficult and complicated”, it also defines conviction as “a strong belief”. There are two main points that each individual person would want to look at.

 

First a Christian life based on convenience will not produce a faithful Christian. Peter stated “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Pet 2:20-22). Some examples of a Christian life of convenience would be first, worshiping god the way you want to be it through the way you pray, the way you treat other church members (James 4:1-3), the way you sing (Ephesians 5:19), and in doctrine (2 Tim 3:1-5, 4:1-4). Second, going to church services when you feel like it (Heb 10:25). Third, it will ensnare us and set up stumbling blocks like alcohol, drugs. Fourth, it will cause us to do things out of character. Fifth, it will cause eternal punishment (Heb 10:26-30,Matt 7:21-23).

 

Second, a Christian life based on conviction will produce a faithful Christian. John in the Book of Revelation stated “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Some examples of this would be. First, continuing in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). Second, attending every church service possible (Acts 20:7). Third, through Christ we have been given everything we need to live godly lives (2 Pet 1:3). Fourth, we have been freed from the old corrupt, sinful nature that we had. Fifth, we have the hope of eternity in heaven with God (Rom 2:7,6:22, 1 Tim 6:19).

 

You must ask yourself this question “Am I living a Christian life based on convenience or conviction”. If you answered convenience, then you are not right with God, I urge you strongly to make it a life of conviction. If you said conviction then you find yourself in the greatest position on earth, in God's family, a fellow heir with Christ.