conviction is a gift, not a guilt-trip

I was a few seasons deep into the show. Every day when the girls went down for nap, I’d grab a load of laundry and fold it while catching up on the latest episode. 

Honestly, it was a cute show. And although it wasn’t centered around truth and light, it wasn’t too terrible. Pretty tame and normal by the general public’s standards. 

But every week, when I’d go to Bible study, the show would pop up in my mind. Even still, I would justify my way through more episodes because I watching “other people’s” drama. Plus, they were just actors and I’d never make those decisions, anyway. 

Yet there came a moment when I realized I had actually begun rooting for the main character to leave his fiancée for the new girl in town. The one who had been slowly winning over his affections behind the back of the woman he loved. A nightmare for any betrothed woman, and a situation I’d never personally encourage. Clearly, my heart was headed in the wrong direction. 

“My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.”

- Proverbs 4:20-23

Conviction is a gift, my friend. That little catch in your spirit that says, “change the channel. Put that down. Leave this place. Return the book. Close the account. Unfollow the content. Erase their contact information from your phone.” It’s not there to send us on a guilt-trip. Rather, it’s the kindness of the Holy Spirit, pointing us in the direction of life before our flesh leads us into the cunning snare the enemy has set.

But if we ignore the voice of wisdom, pushing it aside to do as we please, it becomes harder to hear. Harder to discern. And even harder to say on the path of righteousness.

God cares about our hearts and our well-being. And as a wise counselor once told me, “God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness.”

He doesn’t desire us to live boring and dull lives. Quite the opposite. God desires for His children to lead full, abundant, holy lives - free from sin, regret, and shame.

So let’s guard our hearts. Our eyes, our ears, our minds, and bodies, too.

For everything – everything – we do flows from whatever resides within.