Even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So do not fear their threats… 1 Peter 3:14
Mel had started his bakery business as an act of love. He put his whole heart into every custom creation and particularly loved designing cakes with scripture verses. Then the local KKK group ordered a cake topped with racial slurs, and the strip club wanted one with pornographic decorations. Mel wrestled with his conscience, prayed and fasted, and came to a decision. He could not be a part of either but would gladly recommend competitors who would love the business. The next week, he was informed that he faced two lawsuits for discrimination that would shut him down. Mel was suffering for doing right.
Across the country, another baker faced a similar problem. As a committed Christian, Greg could not create a custom cake to celebrate a lesbian union. He offered to sell the couple a standard cake, but he too was sued. Both men suffered for doing what is right and both were persecuted for those biblical convictions.
We don’t hear much about “convictions” anymore. The world has substituted words like “judgmental,” “religious,” or “unloving” and many Christians accept those substitutions without realizing their origin. Godly convictions are deeply-held beliefs based on a solid grasp of scripture. A true disciple cannot violate those with a clear conscience. As the world spins further from God, we must prepare to live our convictions without fear.
Are your deeply-held convictions based on scripture or on what culture has taught you?