CONVICTION!

CONVICTION!

John 16:7-11

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Acts 2:37

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

          Conviction is the feeling that I have done wrong! It is a major theme in the Bible although the word is seldom found. The agent of conviction is the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

          The Greek word for “reprove” in John 16:8 is elegcho and basically means “to tell a fault.” So, for the believer, the indwelling Holy Spirit is like a super conscience. He reminds us of our faults so that we may quickly repent and receive forgiveness and the peace that follows. Though it is uncomfortable, conviction is a good and useful thing. It aids our efforts at doing and being good because we do not like the uncomfortable feeling which accompanies doing bad.

          Conviction has a secondary meaning. It is also a list of firmly held beliefs which guide our behavior and involvement in the world. Romans 12:2 urges us to: “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Holy Spirit aids us in renovating our thinking about certain things. This renovation is first broad and general and then minute and specific. The end result is a personal philosophy of life that is based upon the Word of God and is in agreement with the mind of Christ.

          That list of things which I will or will not do is sometimes called personal “standards.” For instance, one might gradually and then firmly believe that he or she should not drink alcohol – not even recreationally or socially. Ultimately each thread of firm belief is woven into a fabric as distinct as a Scottish tartan.

          Being under conviction is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Formulating a set of convictions requires spiritual, moral and intellectual honesty. It requires us to not be hypocritical, or unfaithful to our own set of firmly held beliefs.

          Are you “under “conviction? Is the Lord telling you your faults? If so then quickly repent and pray for forgiveness so that you may receive God’s peace.

          Are you building a set of firmly held beliefs? If so then resolve to be intellectually honest. Be patient with others as they bring themselves in line with the Word of God and the mind of Christ.

Dear Lord, thank you for your sweet Holy Spirit which keeps me from going astray. Help me to become transformed by bringing my mind in line with your own mind. AMEN