Day 17 -- The Three Messages Of Conviction

What are the issues the Holy Spirit will convict us about? In John 16:8, Jesus named three topics: He "will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." These are the issues He addresses, to believers and non-believers alike. As we respond to His conviction, it often paves the way for Him to speak many more things to us. The fear of the Lord truly is the beginning of wisdom. So here's a bit more about each of the three topics.

Sin is what's wrong. Sometimes we won't know what God considers wrong until He presses conviction upon us. The Holy Spirit will confront our ungodly attitudes so compellingly that He will reach past our rationalizations and cultural bias. Flesh and blood can't do this; the Holy Spirit can.

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of what's wrong, He wants to clear the way for a new wave of blessing in our lives. Sin is like static; often, we can't hear God's voice until we get the background noise out of the way.

Righteousness is what's right. We don't always have role models who can show us the way. Though the Holy Spirit is invisible, He can convict our hearts with a certainty of what righteousness looks like.

God often hides His secrets, but then He gives clues to those who listen to Him. If we act on those clues, then and only then do we find His secret.

A man had been asked to minister in a Bible school in Canada. The staff in this school all lived by faith, trusting God for financial provision. This was problematic for those who came from other countries to serve on staff; the immigration people often asked hard questions. In spite of the advice he had received from well-meaning friends, the man felt that God wanted him to answer whatever questions the immigration authorities asked him, hiding nothing.

He acted on his conviction, hiding nothing, and the immigration people eventually said, "Welcome to Canada." He arrived at the school with a testimony that strengthened everyone's faith.

Judgment is what's done - what Jesus has already accomplished at the cross. Jesus accomplished more for us than we realize. The Holy Spirit is sent to persuade us of the power of His cross. Church history is full of stories of great men and women of God whose lives became effective for kingdom purposes only after they discovered a deeper truth about Christ crucified, buried, and risen.

God revealed His wisdom at the cross, but it is so opposite to the wisdom of this world that you and I will overlook it unless the Holy Spirit calls our attention to it. If we ignore the voice of conviction, we will spin our wheels in prayer, trying to talk God into doing things He's already done. Many frustrated Christians would find peace and fruitfulness if they would pay attention when the Holy Spirit convicts them about judgment, what Jesus has already done.

Cherish the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to convict you of anything He wants to impress upon your life: what's wrong, what's right, or what's done. When He convicts you, follow through by acting quickly and wholeheartedly on the conviction.