Conviction or Condemnation?

Have you ever been in a group of Evangelical Christians*?  If so, you have undoubtedly heard, and likely used, the word(s) “convicted” or “conviction.” You might hear someone say “I’ve been really convicted about ______ lately,” or “That sermon was really convicting!” But what does this really mean? Here are some general definitions of the word:

Conviction- A declaration that a person is guilty of an offense; the act of moving a person by argument or evidence to belief, agreement, consent, or a course of action; the proving of guilt.

Conviction in the Christian context means something like this: A person’s imperfection has been pointed out and acknowledged, and that person has hope and the desire to change. Translation: I see how I’m failing, and I’ve been given examples of what it is to be better. This has hit me where it hurts, but in a way that inspires me to take action and pursue improvement through God’s power. I’m glad that my pride is suffering and my weakness has been exposed so I can be made stronger in my faith. Conviction is when the Holy Spirit awakens us to things in our lives that are displeasing to God. There is an invitation to live in the way God desires and intends for us to live. Conviction tells us that we are forgiven.

Conviction has a cousin that likes to confuse Christians and attack their faith. This cousin is named condemnation. Condemnation says “You aren’t good enough. Your best is not enough. You have screwed up so much already that you shouldn’t even try to do what is right. You won’t be able to change.”  Condemnation often wears a cloak of conviction, but don’t be fooled. The goal is to sidetrack us from what God is trying to tell us to do or change.

Condemnation- Strong Censure;  reproof; expression of strong disapproval ; to compel or force into a particular state or activity;  to judge or pronounce unfit for use or service.

Let’s take a deeper look at these two words:

Conviction…….

…is constructive

...true guilt

…feels light and right

...leads to contrition  (think the child with the pouty face who will do anything to make you happy)      

...is godly sorrow that prompts repentance                                                                                   …separates us from the problem

…is a sharp needle that hits the trouble spot

…clearly enlightens our conscience

…produces hunger for God and Scripture

…opens the door for mercy and freedom from sin

...shows you the way out, the solution to the problem

…pushes you toward God

…comes from the Holy Spirit

                                                                                                                                                            

Condemnation…

…is destructive

…false guilt

...feels heavy and wrong

...leads to feeling worthless

…binds us to the problem

…is a sledgehammer pounding aimlessly and relentlessly

…is fuzzy and puts a dark pressure on our soul

…keeps the Bible closed

…imprisons us in a pit of shame

...shows the problem but avoids the solution

…pushes you away from God

…comes from Satan

For the past couple of months I have been unsatisfied with the way I have been spending my time and using my personal resources. I have also been feeling like I really need to step out of my comfort zone and not be so safe. At first I thought that I was being convicted about these things. Then I  really started thinking about the distinction between conviction and condemnation, and I quickly realized that I was actually experiencing the latter. 

                I could feel God trying to speak to me, as He sometimes does by repeating a theme. I will come across a message repeatedly and know that I should be paying attention and learning from it. Well, let’s just say that the message has never had to be repeated so much! Though I acknowledged the message and said “Ok God, I get it!” I wouldn’t let it really sink in and change me. I wasn’t able to because I was wrapped up in the guilt and shame that are characteristic of condemnation. Take another look at the definition of condemnation that is in bold. To judge or pronounce unfit for use or service.  This is exactly what the Satan tells us. He tells us that we are too flawed or imperfect for God to use. Here is a prime example of a spiritual battle. I know what God wanted me to hear, but what I heard instead was Satan’s voice keeping me from God’s goodness. The enemy took my desire for God and I immediately became apathetic and complacent.

This period of darkness came right on the heels of a period of great focus and motivation to change and improve my path, maybe even a period that I would consider to be one of conviction. I was really close to God and going after Him right before I ended up being condemned. Satan is very predictable in this way. He likes to attack when we are trying to be close to God and fall asleep at the wheel or hit a small bump in the road.

                Instead of using difficulties that god could have used to make me stronger, I took those challenges as a red light and I gave up too easily, just as Satan wanted me to. That was the point that he had me.  I am coming out of that condemnation now. It is slow and difficult, but I am fighting back. God is restoring me. I thank God for my warriors who stayed by my side, praying for me and challenging me during my complacency.♥

Will you believe the half-truths of Satan or the whole truth from God? Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy! We must trust what God’s Word says over our feelings! Our feelings are fleeting; they change. God’s Word never changes, and neither do His promises. Christ's sacrifice for your sins will never be undone or redone!   

Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, not I.
Romans 8:1-2  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Thanks for reading!

Shep

*Evangelical Christians here meaning those with belief in Jesus who deem their faith and relationship with Christ to be the primary influence on their life and behavior.