Knowing V

Rom.14:^{10, 13} [PH] “We will all be judged one day, not by each other’s standards, or even our own, but by the judgment of God… It is to God alone that we shall have to answer for our actions.”

Sometimes, God talks to us about other people so that He can confirm what He has said to them. This is closely linked to moral authority. You must have the moral authority to engage people at that level otherwise keep quiet. Even with yourself, with certain things and in certain situations, you need to ask yourself “does this concern my responsibility”? Let me give you an illustration. Billy Graham, a great man of God, years ago was so popular in the polity of the United States that they offered him a cabinet seat. But Billy Graham refused the position. Why? He said, “God has called me to be an evangelist and this does not concern my responsibility”. A lot of people would happily testify about it and how God has opened doors for promotion. The question is, does it concern your responsibility?

Test #4 to determine if a voice is from God is: Is it convicting or is it condemning? Rom.8:¹ “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Conviction is from God. Rev.12:¹⁰ [NIV] “Satan is the accuser of believers.” Condemnation is from satan. What is conviction? Conviction exposes wrong. Condemnation on the other hand attacks the person, the person’s value, and self-worth. Conviction says you have sinned. Condemnation says you are worthless. Conviction says this needs to change. Condemnation says you can never change; this is how your parents were. This is how the people in your family are, so just accept it.

God’s Word is like a mirror. Conviction shows us how we look so that we can make adjustments, but condemnation says this is who you are; you cannot change – huge difference! Conviction aims to correct, condemnation aims to criticize. God convicts us out of love. Rev.3:¹⁹ [AMP, emphasis added]“Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convict and discipline. So be earnest and repent (changing your mind and attitude).” Condemnation on the other hand is stemmed out of hatred. When God convicts us, He is definite and specific. God tells you exactly what needs to be worked on. Condemnation is general and vague. It makes you just feel guilty and you cannot really explain why.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please fill me with Your Spirit of wisdom, understanding and revelation in the knowledge of Your will, in Jesus Name. Amen!