Don’t Trade Conviction for Approval | Mark 6:14-29

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to Bobby McCalpine from Tahlequah, OK. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your courage to stand for truth is helping others do the same. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:14-29:

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. — Mark 6:14-29

This story is disturbing. John the Baptist is executed, not for a crime, but for telling the truth. He called out King Herod’s sin—and it cost him everything.

But John didn’t flinch. He didn’t soften the truth. He didn’t adjust the message to protect himself. He spoke with clarity, conviction, and courage directly about the king's lack of integrity. John wouldn’t trade conviction for approval.

Herod, on the other hand, did. He liked listening to John. He respected him. He knew John was holy. But Herod was more concerned about his image than his soul.

So when the moment came—when the crowd was watching, and the pressure was on—Herod made the trade. Approval over conviction. Comfort over repentance. And John lost his life because of it.

This isn’t just ancient history. It’s a modern temptation.

Today, people still trade conviction for approval:
—to protect a platform
—to avoid awkward conversations
—to keep a job
—to hold on to relationships
—to stay liked

But when we soften the message of Jesus to preserve our status, we don't just lose the truth—we lose our witness.

The Gospel isn’t ours to edit. It’s ours to exalt—with boldness and love.

Jesus said, “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words... the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him.”

They are strong words. But central ones. When we trade conviction for approval, we stop pointing people to the only One who can actually save them so we can try to save ourselves.

So here’s the question: Where are you tempted to soften, silence, or sidestep the truth to protect yourself? And what would it look like to follow John’s example instead?

ASK THIS:

1. Why did Herod respect John but refuse to repent?
2. Where do you feel tempted to alter or mute God’s truth?
3. What fear is holding you back from bold obedience?
4. What would it look like to love others enough to speak the truth—even when it’s costly?

DO THIS:

Name one place in your life where approval is tempting you to dilute conviction. Ask Jesus for courage to stay faithful to His message—no edits, no compromises.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, help me love people enough to tell them the truth. I don’t want to trade conviction for approval. Give me boldness to speak what you’ve spoken—clearly and faithfully. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Build My Life" by Pat Barrett.