Some things about our Christian faith are really fulfilling and even thrilling.
These are what I call the “magnets of faith.”
But there are a few other things, however, that are far from being magnets.
They’re actually more like fender-bending guardrails.
They’re designed to keep us from driving off the cliff spiritually.
They’re not endearing.
But they are essential.
A segment in today’s devotional reading from the One-Year Bible explains why:
“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)
I don’t know anybody who enjoys feeling convicted by the Holy Spirit about a poor choice of behavior or a carnal pattern of thought.
But when we consider that alternative — a life without the spiritual guardrail of spiritual conviction — we should rejoice that we feel guilt when we lie or lust or gossip or covet or steal or resent or whatever sin over which we stumble.
If God didn’t love us, He wouldn’t warn us.
And He certainly wouldn’t have sent Jesus to the cross as atonement for those times we wouldn’t listen.
We know for a fact that Satan doesn’t love us.
In fact, he hates us.
How do we know this?
Does he ever warn us of danger?
Has he ever tried to steer anybody you know away from the cliff?
Let’s thank God when our consciences are goaded by God.
It’s a powerful sign of His love.
As always, I love you
Martin
