Conviction

I used to associate it with a guilty conscience.

Like a child with cookie crumbs on his lips, I thought it was easy to “see” when I had messed up.

As I have aged, I realize that sin is not always the outer action of stealing a cookie but more often an inner problem of the heart.

And my heart often deceives me.

Conviction therefore doesn’t always come in the form of a slap on the hand.

There is not always a swift discipline. I don’t feel guilty.

Instead, God comes alongside me and whispers. “That’s not right. I expect better. Is that really the best choice?”

His words leap from the page as a story I have read and heard so many times takes on new meaning.

“Do you see how discontent the Israelites were? Do you recognize their ingratitude?”

And I understand.

And I am reminded.

It isn’t a sharp rebuke but a gentle nudging, a redirection, an opportunity to get back on the right path.

God shows me my sin so that I can willingly bring it before Him.

Admit it. Repent of it. Ask for forgiveness for it, and seek His help in living a more Christlike life.

Conviction.

We think of it like a sentence of guilt that sends us to prison.

But, for the Christian, it’s another step towards freedom.