As Jesus followers we are called into the Kingdom Life. This blog will help us converse and learn what that means. It will contain thoughts on Scripture, Sermon Reflection, Leadership Training and interesting reads. -Pastor Jeff

Friday, February 27, 2015

Conscience or Conviction

Read 2 Kings 23

“The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, keeping his commandments, his decrees, and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book.” v.3
As followers of Jesus, we learn to speak a new language.  In the past, we might have used the word "conscience."  You know, "I was about to do (such and such) but my conscience wouldn't allow it."  But as followers of Jesus, we instead opt for the word "conviction."  What's the difference?  

Conscience speaks to something already within us.  However, yesterday we talked about how regularly our internal compasses are broken and can't be trusted.  I'm not sure my "conscience" has the power to compel me toward the good life.  Conviction on the other hand is different.  Conviction comes to us from the outside and takes root internally.  Conviction, and I know this is going to sound odd, is a gift from God.  As followers of Jesus, we call conviction a work of God's Spirit on us and within us.  Conviction is a gift that invites us again to reorient our lives to Christ and His Kingdom.

But wait...conviction doesn't always feel like a gift.

Conviction without a doubt can be a painful experience.  Conviction is this movement that ultimately reveals that we are either headed in the wrong direction or that we've already taken the wrong path and need to do an "about face."  When that happens, guilt often sets in.  Guilt doesn't have to be a problem.  Guilt is the recognition that something is wrong, it's the set up for repentance, it's ability to acknowledge the decisions I've made are not in alignment with God's desire for my life.  Guilt becomes a problem when it is left unattended.  It then becomes shame, a sense that "I am a failure."  Conviction ought not lead us toward shame.  Conviction should compel us to change.  When God's Spirit brings conviction into our lives, God is inviting us to leave behind the old ways of thinking, acting, doing, and pursuing.  He is inviting us to embrace a new way of being in this world.

Yesterday we began the story of King Josiah and what happened when he discovered God's compass.  Today we read about the fruit of that discovery.  At first when King Josiah recognized how far his people had wandered from the path of God, he was in anguish.  Today we learn that anguish is turned into action.  King Josiah makes a fresh commitment to live in the ways of the Lord and to call others into His ways.  Conviction is the set up for a new day of faithfulness!

Key is believing that Conviction is a gift.

God desires much for our lives.  He desires that we live in freedom and with purpose.  God desires that we wouldn't surrender our lives to old ways and old actions that lead no where good.  God matches that desire with His Spirit's prompting us to change.  The more we embrace that invitation when it arrives, the quicker we learn to respond, the more we will discover the gift that convicting grace really is.

Throughout this journey, we will be given many opportunities to experience the convicting grace of God as a result of our disruptive encounter with Jesus and our rediscovery of the word.  However, this is all for not if there is no action that accompanies the conviction.  We are to be moved by our conviction, moved in the direction of God. 

Be honest...
What are some specific actions that you might now begin to take in response to some of your recent convictions about your life with God?

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