Conviction and Spiritual Growth
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God.
Romans 14:22
When you hear a sermon and are convicted, what are your thoughts and feelings? Are you angry because the minister made you feel convicted? Or are you grateful that an area of needed spiritual growth is revealed? Can we grow spiritually if we are never convicted by the Holy Spirit? If we are truly interested in becoming more Christ-like then we seek conviction by the Holy Spirit. Conviction in this sense is not necessarily sinful behavior, but rather conviction can reveal an area in which we need to grow.
How we view conviction is based on our attitude towards spiritual growth. If we want to remain comfortable in our salvation, and spiritual growth is not our objective, then conviction can disrupt our comfort and can actually make us angry. The Christian life is spiritual growth because Christ is using everything in our lives to mold us to have the mind and heart of Christ. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Spiritual growth should be our main motivation. As we become more Christ-like we are continually being drawn closer to our Lord and developing a closer, more meaningful relationship.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Colossians 1:9-10). The Word tells us to continually grow in wisdom and understanding of our Lord. How can we do this if we override the Spirit’s conviction with our own justification? We have to be open to the Spirit in order to grow spiritually and in order to have the courage to step out into the unknown to where the Lord has called us. If we seek to remain comfortable and secure within our inner circle, then we may grow in knowledge of the Word, but will we grow in understanding and wisdom of our Lord?
Step out and seek the Lord’s will. It will make your life exciting and fulfilling and pleasing to the Lord, because you are showing that you trust him. There is nothing on this earth that is more fulfilling and rewarding than the adventure that comes from serving the Lord in bringing Christ to the world.
Today, walk in the Spirit and ask the Spirit to guide you. Listen to any conviction by the Spirit and step out in faith. Recognize whatever the Lord calls you to do. Prepare and obey and you will have the Lord with you every step. Always listen to your Spirit driven conscience. Follow the Spirit’s direction; giving your best to the Lord.
Let’s pray: Lord, help me to grow spiritually by listening to the Spirit, studying your Word, praying and fellowshipping. Lord I will never know you unless my life is focused on ministering to lost souls, just as Jesus did in his ministry. Fill my heart with whatever I need to surrender to your divine will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.