Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:7-11
When I was growing up, Mom and Dad would take a notion every once and a while to tear my hide up. You see, I didn’t like the conviction I felt so I got the chastisement instead. Instead of obeying Mom and Dad, I did what I wanted to and suffered the consequences.
Dad was about 5’9 and about 4’6 round. When that belt started coming out of his pants it sounded like a 70’s model Ford on an old highway that the cracks had been sealed, thump, thump, thump. When I heard that sound, I knew it was about to get on.
Long before I heard that fearsome noise, I felt a little conviction. Something in me said, “Don’t ride that bike up to Antoine’s house”. But I didn’t listen! I got on my bike and rode on. When I got home Mom was there…and the rest… is painful!
Child of God, “Conviction is a privilege! It is none other than the voice of the Holy Spirit compelling us to turn from sin and make our hearts right with our Heavenly Father. Conviction means that God is working in us.”—Paul Chappell. Listen to the Spirit so you won’t feel the consequences!