CONVICTION OR CONDEMNED?

Convicted or Condemned?

Let’s face it. We all have times when we’ve said too much, spoke too fast, indulged in food or drink too heavily, hurt those we love the most, or ignored those in need with a focus for our own wants above theirs…and the list goes on.

But right now, reading the above list, how does that make you feel? Do you get a twinge of guilt, did you blow by the list with no reflection of self, did it inspire you to read more in hopes of reform? Maybe it did something different altogether.

The thing is, a couple weekends ago I woke up with a twinge of guilt. An old way of living which rarely takes root in my life these days. So I quickly identified this feeling as NOT FROM GOD.

Had I not done that I know what would have happened, dwelling and lack of growth.

One of the most awesome things about deep God-partnered living is continued growth. To constantly improve,  be blessed, move on, relax and THAT LIST GOES ON TOO. We’re gonna sin, but as we get closer to God we become more in love with doing HIS work, HIS way. We see how it changes us, how it refines us and equips us. When living in this place, our response to sin is not guilt and shame. It is conviction and a sense of urgency to use Christ’s sweet gift of forgiveness and acceptance better next time.

So how do we keep from going down the rabbit trail of condemnation that Satan loves to consume our mind with?

The key is clarity. Satan is the owner of guilt and shame.

We need to remember that Satan is not the only one of power who loves to give things away. Guilt and shame are two of his prized possessions and he loves sharing them with us. He knows how they can hold us back and keep us from growing and from advancing the Kingdom of God.

Today’s post is an attempt to help us wipe out the power of guilt and shame!

First, we need to recognize that those feeling ARE NOT OURS… unless we take them from Satan. YIKES! But, it is true. We have free will. So let’s use it!!! And take back control.

However, control isn’t enough. We need God to truly transform. So as opposite as it might sound, next we need to release control in these times and surrender to Christ. Christ, who helps us be made new again. And, we also need the Holy Spirit who will convict us with the truth and nudge us toward what is truly good for us.

The next time you find yourself feeling a twinge of guilt and shame…BEFORE they take root, name them as not your own! Refuse Satan’s attempt to keep you from growth and advancement. Then…

Pull in close to God. Ask for his mighty love and the power of the Trinity. The power of all three…where your sin turns into convictions for reform, saying goodbye to days of condemnation and despair. 

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

I love you sweet friends, Faith Infused Living… Reaches Goals Higher,

Author of Awaking the Living Legacy Niccie Kliegl, CLC, RN