Perhaps you’ve heard this bit of wisdom in the past: if you don’t stand for something, you will likely fall for anything. Convictions are important; they are like beacons in the night that guide our actions and our decisions. A conviction is a belief that you hold, and a belief that holds you. Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
A hundred years ago, Portland, Oregon native Forrest Smithson was one of the world’s fastest hurdlers. He was also a man of deep spiritual conviction. When he arrived in London to participate in the 1908 Olympics he learned that the 110-meter hurdles competition was to be held on Sunday. The US champion quickly announced his withdrawal but friends and teammates urged him to reconsider.
Finally he conceded but when he came to the starting line everyone was stunned to see him holding a Bible in his left hand. What’s more, he carried that Bible every step of the race. He not only beat the nearest opponent by five meters, he set a world record that stood for twelve years. Most importantly, he left no doubts about his convictions! Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you’re likely to fall for anything.