Personal Convictions – Part 2

From The Real Sabbath Devotional Series

Today I’m sharing devotion number five in the Real Sabbath Devotional Series: Personal Convictions – Part 2. In this devotion, I share about the importance of not letting ourselves be judged by matters of personal conviction regarding the Sabbath.

Personal Convictions – Part 1 – S3 E5

Focus Verse

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.  These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

Devotion

In Christ, we are free from the law. At times in our Christian walk, we will be subject to other people’s judgement regarding issues of personal conviction – the Sabbath being no exception. We may encounter people who find fault with what we do on a Saturday or Sunday (depending on the perspective), and try to chain us to rules, as if our salvation is based on our performance – rather than on Christ’s redeeming work on our behalf.

If this happens to you, don’t let your behaviour change according to people’s opinions. Graciously show others what being under God’s grace is all about, while simultaneously showing your obedience to the heart of the law – turning away from anxious work and finding rest in God. 

Showing others that salvation is by faith and that sanctification is God’s work in our hearts is a powerful tool to help others grow in their faith too. 

Questions for reflection

• Have you ever been judged for how you spend your time on a Saturday or Sunday?
• What could you say to someone who criticizes you in this regard?

Prayer

Lord, I pray for us as Christian women who are pursuing You and Your righteousness, and living under Your grace. I pray we would be obedient to the personal convictions You’ve laid on our hearts, and help us be gracious towards other Christians who might do things differently or have different convictions.

Help us to be led by your Holy Spirit and understand we’re under grace and this isn’t to do with our salvation. Help us not fall into legalism, but at the same time, help us understand the heart of the law, and how important it is as a timeless principle from You.

Enable us to spend focused time with You, rest in You and not focus on our to-do lists, or be anxious about our lives in general, but really let go of the pleasures of the world, and turn to You. Please help us to put this into practise in our everyday lives, and have focused times with You. Amen.

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