I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (Romans 14:14)
Personal conviction results from a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The world gives us many choices about what we can consume and how we can conduct ourselves. Scripture offers clear guidance on moral issues, but it also recognizes the impact of personal convictions on our conduct. Where Scripture does not explicitly condemn or endorse something, our convictions play a significant role.
I choose to not drink beer, wine, or liquor. For me, that would be unclean. Specifically, because it goes against my personal convictions and my relationship with the Holy Spirit. If I were to do something that is against my personal convictions, it would be sin.
Paul’s words serve as a reminder that our faith is not just a corporate belief we hold with the church we are connected to, it’s a deeply personal journey as well. The Word and our relationship with the Holy Ghost should shape our convictions. The Holy Ghost helps guide us into all truth.
Paul chose not to do some things out of consideration for his own and others' beliefs, not because they were evil.
Practical Application
How has your relationship with the Holy Spirit shaped your personal convictions? Are there areas that you just feel convicted about where others don’t? Don’t use your personal conviction to bring condemnation to others, but also don’t throw away your conviction to conform to those around you. Follow what the Word says, and what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.