I was talking with a friend some time ago about conviction. Conviction from God that is for everyone and personal conviction (which should be from God) but may NOT be for everyone.
This is SO true and a way we can rightly divide judgement from truth. Well, in an ideal world where humans were near perfect anyway. Lol
But it really was and is a good way to help one navigate the waters of convictions.
I think the problem lies (here we go!) in that many of us think that some of God's mandates can be thought of as personal convictions instead of the mighty word of God that is meant for ALL.
Do we want examples or is that better left alone? Lol
I love John the Baptist. I mean, I really do. He is my kind of guy. I am freakily learning through CCOTL, that Paul is my kind of guy too.
Direct, to the point and either loved or hated. Yep. I can relate.
But we must be careful not to think that what God's Word says is bendable for us...because it is not. The Word is Truth and applies to all, period. Believe it or not, heed it or not, read it or not, it still is Truth for you and truth for me across the board.
There are some things that are personal convictions in life that may apply to one and not the other. That is clear as well. The Word is clear in that. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. What is ok for one may NOT be ok for another.
The trouble is when we take God's Word and call it a "personal conviction" instead of recognizing it as truth across the board.
To clarify: We are all on the same road but at different places on it. So we all are not ready to receive the same truths as others...the problem is that when we, as Christians, read God's Word and do not accept it as truth and so do not apply it to our lives---that is when we are being disobedient and saying, "Well, that is not true for me. God has not called me to that. I am not led there."
5 comments:
Interesting. I have a friend that is completely against homeschooling. She feels that since we are Christians (she is a Christian too) that our children should go to school and be a light. Her children attend public school.
I also know a mom that looks down upon us because our children are involved with little league baseball. I can't begin to share everything that has happened through while volunteering in the little league. It's been awesome. Any way, this mom is involved with a community group and believes that everyone should be involved in that group. This mom is also a Christian.
I would consider both situations as a personal conviction, yet they see it as a conviction across the board. What's your opinion?
Well, I fear I don't think the baseball thing is a "personal conviction" as much as just a personal choice. There is some merit to being careful about ANY group you join but if one is under a parent's supervision, it is simply a matter of that paren't choice for their child. Any "Christian" that looks down on another because their personal choice is different from their own is standing in judgement. As long as personal choice does not malign the Word of God, then I believe it is OK. That is what "freedom in Christ" really means....
I do have my own thoughts on whether homeschooling is a biblical mandate or personal conviction but I would like to focus on what this woman says: The completely FALSE idea that Christians regularly use to refute homeschooling. To say our children should go "out and be a light" is an incomplete scriptural thought that shows spiritual immaturity. (sorry for the ouch factor in that) but my point is easily made in scripture. We must EQUIP our children FIRST, then send them out. There is an occasional excepetion to the rule and God can work all good through bad as well, and does, but generally speaking one is not "equipped" at an elementary age and when they get a bit older, especially young ladies should stand under the protection of her Father in the "castle" and not be unduly protected by being farmed out. If you don't believe scripture is completely clear on such and such a thing, it is wise to follow the biblical model that you see throughout God's Word.
We started out homeschooling and thought we weren't cut out to do it so we chose to put our kids in public school. They were there for 2 years when we were finally decidedly "convicted" to bring them home, and that was with me being in close contact with the kids in school continually as homeroom mom, PTA, and even subbing at the school. The principal was upset when she heard we weren't continuing because she did see us as a "light" as did others who saw it as a mistake to leave. But we knew the Lord was leading us to this because it was best for our family... period. We still take it year by year and the kids are now in "high school" homeschool and we still wonder if we're "cut out for this" and feel judged whenever it's apparent we lack in any area such as spelling (which we most definitely do!) Homeschooling, as a lot of decisions, can be touchy and we have to be careful. If someone is actively and sincerely seeking God's will for their lives, who am I to be saying they're doing things wrong?
That said, I don't mean to appear like I don't believe that there aren't mandates. I agree Steph, I do try and bend God's Word sometimes "well, surely that doesn't mean me and it can't mean that" and then turn around and point the finger at someone else.
(cue Point of Grace song) ;)
Lord I know sometimes you look down and shake your head
When we know what we should do and do the other thing instead
Were living in glass houses and were throwing sticks and stones
The love that will come to us is the love that we have shown
Ignite a fire in my spirit
And when I want to make a difference
This will be my prayer
(chorus)
Begin with me
Turn my world upside down
Come change my heart around
Lord keep on washing me clean
Begin with me
Come and renew my mind
And lead me to the light
til I am more like you Jesus
Begin, begin with me
Have you ever noticed how we love to give advice
We offer up suggestions without thinking twice
Got 20/20 vision when were watching someone else
But its a little blurry when were looking at ourselves
I cant forget to check the mirror
Thats where I find the only one
That He wants me to change
(repeat chorus)
Starting right here, right now
Lord I surrender to You
Ready to serve
Ready to love
cause that is all that matters in the end
Yes, way to often we are judging, when we shouldn't be, and feeling like we're being judged when we're not!
Everyone who doesn't want to hear it calls it judgement and everyone judging others calls it truth! Lol
Good word my Pastor said last night and one of my personal faves.1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands..."
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