Thursday evenings I have been leading a, though not so well attended, Bible Study. I decided to base my study on Ray Harris’ book, Convictions Matter. If no one else got anything out of this study, and I hope they did, I certainly did. This is a compelling read combining theology, current culture, apologetics, history and great writing into one study around “what we believe”.

There is no substitute I believe for conviction – it is what marks the path, it is the compass for our lives. And convictions can be tightly held but reconsidered depending upon what light is being shed on a belief.

In this closing chapters Ray reminds us that The Church has much to answer for. To those whose lives have been impacted by greed or lust or power, there is no excuse, no dismissing. To those who have been led astray by men or women with motives of impurity, they will one day answer to God. We cannot, nor should we, dismiss them.

The Church though, and The Salvation Army, in this case has been a strong force for good. Ray cites the quote from Hitler when preparing his generals for the atrocities of war, “we cannot win with Salvation Army methods”. How did Hitler know of our work or our methods? It is an interesting question.

As we moved into retirement I had this conviction, that we must live on our street, in our neighbourhood as light and salt. That was one of my convictions.

Convictions matter, whether in a marriage relationship, a church congregation, a family life or in dealing with our neighbours.

I’m grateful for the good mind of Ray, who I think is the Eugene Peterson of our denomination.