Conviction Is Worthless Unless Converted To Conduct

“Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.” ~Thomas Carlyle

“Whereas mysticism placed the emphasis on the journey inward, Luther stressed the importance of breaking out of the self into the service of others.”
~Donald Bloesch

Two good quotes from my quote book, which when woven together address the issue of solipsism. When our lives revolve around ourselves, we are missing the point of Christian faith, says Bloesch. And Carlyle's comment nudges us to make our walk keep up with our talk.

Dylan gives it to us this way, one of my favorite songs from his critically acclaimed Oh Mercy album, 1990.

What Good Am I?

What good am I if I’m like all the rest,
If I just turn away when I see how you're dressed?
If I shut myself off so I can't hear you cry,
What good am I ?

What good am I if I know and don't do?
If I see and don't say, if I look right through you,
If I turn a deaf ear to the thunder in the sky,
What good am I ?

What good am I while you softly weep
And I hear in my head what you say in your sleep
And I freeze in the moment like the rest who don't try,
What good am I ?

What good am I then to others and me
If I had every chance and yet still fail to see
If my hands are tied must I not wonder within
Who tied them and why and where must I have been.

What good am I if I say foolish things,
And I laugh in the face of what sorrow brings
And I just turn my back while you silently die,
What good am I ?