(The following is the June 8 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 25 and pay close attention to verses 6-12.)

We can measure the depth of our convictions by how willing we are to endure the consequences of living by them. What beliefs and values are so important that we will abide by them regardless of the results, including death?

Paul’s friends warned him about placing himself in situations where his freedom and life might be in danger, but Paul still did what he knew God wanted him to do regardless of the risk. If he had done anything deserving of death, so be it. The governor, Festus, asked Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?” (v. 9). Paul replied, “I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you yourself know very well. If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them” (vv. 10-11).

Paul showed confidence in two things: he knew he was innocent of the false charges against him and was willing to die at their hands if he was guilty and deserving of that punishment. We can learn a couple of lessons from his example. One is that we must obey the Lord’s commands, confident that we are doing the right thing. The twofold witness of the truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s leading will confirm the rightness of our path. Another lesson is that we must be so solid in our biblical convictions that we are willing to endure any legal, physical, monetary, occupational, relational, or other earthly consequences that may come from following Christ.

Next Step:
What beliefs, principles, and convictions are so central to you that you will suffer any consequence to abide by them? Can you imagine a scenario where you may have to make that choice? Pray for God’s wisdom in knowing his path for you and the strength to follow it.