We try to think in terms of 3 levels of belief. As a family, understanding these levels of belief are extremely helpful to us as we make decisions about God, His global family, His extended family, and His local family. These 3 levels of belief are:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope at your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” -Ephesians 4:4-6
Conviction level beliefs are beliefs that are uncompromisable for scripture. To not belief these things is to not believe in God and Man as God has revealed clearly and consistently in scripture.
*“Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about doubtful issues... But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother's way... Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves the Messiah in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another...” -*Romans 14
Persuasion level beliefs are beliefs that are backed by scripture and on varying levels. However, to not have these beliefs would not necessarily mean not believing in God and Man as God has revealed clearly and consistently in scripture. These beliefs would be vital to have agreement in a local church family but may differ with another church family.
“What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask....God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” -James 4:1-2, 6
Opinion level beliefs are beliefs that are may have little to no scriptural consistency, and we do not have to have unity or consistency in the church family.
*“If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” -*1 Cor. 13:1-3
Problems and fights often lie between the the beliefs. We must be careful moving opinions to persuasions and persuasions to convictions.
“Be willing to live and die for your convictions, teach and practice your persuasions, and keep your opinions to yourself.” -Mat Shockney
Think about your personal beliefs. What beliefs would you classify in these categories?