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by Randi Howell

Created on: December 20, 2011   Last Updated: December 21, 2011

Strong convictions are a manifestation of a person's internal belief system. To be "better" is a form of prejudice manifested through thought or actions as a form of self elevation. It is a human quality which is determined mostly by external rather than internal forces. Through life experience we are all taught the concept of being "better than" or "less than" those forces which enter or surround you at any stage or place in life where you may find yourself. When these convictions are brought out in discussion with those who do not share commonality with your circumstance is when this topic comes to life.

As mortal human beings, we are created as persons who are universally equal and perfect for the purpose of serving in the capacity for which we were created. We are yielding creatures with thoughts, emotions and feelings. The commonality of our existence is that of flesh and blood. We are all born without prejudice. As inhabitants of the world in which we live, our only mission of this life is to only protect the environment, our home planet, from destruction. We have no place else to go.

We were not placed here on this earth to constantly seek out riches, fame or glory, but to be good stewards of our time and talents as they relate to gaining wisdom and insights to how better serve our fellow man. We are all here and in this thing called "life" together until the end of our time. How we treat each other during this time will influence our convictions or sense of right and wrong. How loudly or boldly we proclaim these convictions are usually a reflection of how deeply seated the thought or action holds true to your consciousness at the time. This will either be accepted or rejected by the peoples we encounter at the time of proclamation.

More recently, this is where mixed societies fail miserably and also the point in which "convictions" start to arise. Parents are the first point where convictions become instilled in your consciousness. They will evolve and come from many places throughout your lifetime but usually are seated in the fundamental belief in religious teaching and/or a higher power of creation. Convictions largely depend on the influences of who, what, where and when you encounter them. They are perceived through the reward or punishment process for not following or having the proper conviction for the circumstance or influence which surround a person at any given time.

We are continually seeking acceptance. We will form our convictions to "fit in" with the majority of the populus of the place in which you find yourself. AKA, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"...or risk exile. Following these "convictions" does not mean you won't get exiled, but you need to conduct yourself in a certain manner or risk this outcome. In doing so, it does not make it right or wrong, it just makes it easier to survive in your environment. 

Throughout the ages of time, this fact has not changed. It does not make a persons "strong convictions" any better, it just makes the principals by which they view the world as justifiable. Justification is not a means to an end, it makes the "conviction or belief" true in the eyes of the believer.

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