Conviction vs Condemnation: Conviction good, Condemnation bad
When GOD trusts you to see your weaknesses He is encouraging you. Only through revelation and experience can we discover our failings and be changed.
Conviction is that which we receive from the Holy Spirit: His whisper, telling us of our weakness, frailty, humanity, error.
Our pride will fight the message.
Condemnation is that shout into our minds that we are abject failures, miserable and wanton in the futility of our flesh. It comes from the world, the flesh and the devil.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1)
Our pride relishes the message, even when it hurts. It loves the attention.
Pride prevents character growth
When we let go of pride, we can instead rely on GOD and His ability in us to overcome our situation. When we recognise our prideful heart and accept the need to change, GOD can work in us.
Trust in the voice of the LORD, “with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him” and He will lift you up. (Prov 3)
Count it all joy when you fail and recognise it. (James 1) Do not linger there, but allow the LORD to lift you up to a new height. We cannot soar without the catalyst. Often the catalyst is failure and the recognition of it. The way to perfection (and yes, perfection is possible just as Jesus encourages) is through trials, testing and patience.
Pain raises us to the next level
Inevitably, we go through pain to get to the next level of strength in the LORD. It isn’t always external but is often self-inflicted. Through yielding, in humility, we overcome. Know this: the tunnel always leads to righteousness, joy, peace in GOD.
Abide: spend time with GOD, so He can expose your weaknesses
Know this: you are imperfect. Perfection comes from exposing the flaws. To polish the edges of a diamond makes it more beautiful; without the grit against the edges to smooth the rough, it will not sparkle to its full potential.
So it is with us all. We are diamonds in the rough. But we aren’t meant to stay that way.
Trust, lean, hope and persevere. Making decisions to live this way will bring you through all suffering and mature you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what lies ahead.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
