We all have convictions. But our our convictions developing. Are we as Christians growing in our commitment to have convictions higher than just the law requires. Are we just trying to get by. Jacob was a man who is just trying to get buy with the legality of his beliefs. While he may cut corners he had not done anything technically illegal, but we all know that his convictions before God leave a lot to be desired. In developing godly convictions we must keeping in mind several good ideas was we want to live by our faith and not at the lowest possible level of legality.

First, all of our developing convictions are based on pleasing God. They are based on doing what is right by God. Jacob cut and run tactic was less that pleasing to God even thought God had told in him in verse 3 to leave and go back to his family and land. The problem he did this underhandedly while Laban was sheering sheep. Rachael also learned from her husband how to cut corners with technical legality by stealing her father's gods. We need to make sure that we are obeying God's commands in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Secondly, all our developing convictions are based on attacking our fear of men. When Laban finally caught up with Jacob, Jacob was afraid and told Laban so. Our convictions should never come because we fear men. We must always trust in God to accomplish His Word in the middle of fear if we are to have the strength of our convictions Jacob did not have this sufficient faith to trust that God would deliver him even from his father-in-law. We need to attack our fears in trusting God.

Thirdly, all of our developing convictions are based on being humble about our ability to earn God's favor. So many times in the Christian life I hear Christians talk about being bless because of their spiritual accomplishments or spiritual maturity. None of us ever are blessed because of our accomplishments from God. When Laban could not find his household gods, Jacob became angry and berated Laban as if it was all Laban's fault. Jacob believe the reason why he was blessed was that God was on his side because of the work of his hands. I say, "Wrong Jacob." God is never obligated to be on your side because of what you have done. Blessings are by God's mercy and grace and are always undeserved. We need to be humble about our ability apart from God.

Fourthly, all of our developing convictions are based on not trusting our own righteousness (or spirituality) in keening the letter of the law. We are all law breakers and we deceive ourselves when we think it is our spirituality that moves God to bless. Laban was not convinced of Jacob's "God on my side" defense, so he made a covenant with Jacob. When you cannot trust a person at their word you have to make a covenant or contract with them. They both set up a pillar and a monument while promising not to harm each other if they would meet again. This prevented future encroachment by Jacob in the future with the use of his (Laban's) household gods as a claim on more of his inheritance that was to be given to the rest of his sons.

Understanding the necessity of building convictions but we must develop them in God's way so that we don't succumb to legalism when we keep the minimum letter of the law without the right motivation in our hearts toward God.