The word that I write about today is one that may seem out of fashion. Many consider it an embarrassing memory of a by-gone era.
It was popular before political correctness began to creep into our pulpits. It was a staple in the diet of prayerful churches before sensitivity training was en vogue. It existed before the term "seeker sensitive" was contrived by weak minded and cowardly so-called "preachers."
The beauty of this word lay in the fact that it was not just a word, but a response. It was an atmosphere that permeated our services. It gripped our hearts as the powerful Word of God was preached by prayerful Godly men.
The word?
Conviction...
I know...I know...there is no beauty in that word, you say.
However, I beg to differ. There is nothing more beautiful than when the Word of God goes forth in power and the hearers submit to the message in repentance and obedience.
What happened? Is conviction dead?
No... However, I do believe that in many places it is on life support.
I believe that it has suffered in two critical areas:1. Weak Delivery
Many preachers have allowed the culture of tolerance and acceptance to move into their consciousness. The voice of those who have "itching ears" have drowned out the voices of the hungry.
2. Insensitivity of the Receiver
Many that hear the Word of God have lost their sensitivity. Our media driven society as desensitized the hearts of people.
Pastor Jesse Williams preached a powerful message in Mississippi almost 10 years ago. It was entitled "The Death of the Most Famous Preacher." His message was about the death of conscience.
How do we revive conviction?1. It is time for our preachers to pray, fast and commit to delivering the whole Word of God. Let me clarify something, conviction preaching does not and should not have to be mean or angry preaching. In fact, true conviction preaching is a product of love. Conviction is not condemnation!
2. We must cultivate a hunger in our churches for more of God. A hunger and a love for the Word of God. We must allow the oil of the Holy Ghost to soften and heal the calluses that have covered our hearts.
The oddly beautiful word...Conviction!
Rev 3:19-20 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
When seeking a relationship we are always looking for something to be right. We look for the common ground where we can build a strong relationship. Most of the time we either over look or learn to live with the things that we do not like.
