For the word of God is living and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Does God’s word ever cause you
discomfort? When you read the Bible does what you read make you uneasy? Do you
find when you listen to sermons, that the Scripture seems aimed directly at
you? You are experiencing the reality that the word of God is alive and can
read your thoughts and judge your intentions.
When God’s word speaks to you it
is always for a purpose. God knows your heart and knows what you need to do to
bring your life into conformity to Christ. If you have a problem with sinful
talk, the word that comes to you will address the tongue. If you are struggling
to forgive, God’s word will confront you with His standard for forgiveness. If
pride has a stronghold in your life, God’s word will speak to you about
humility. Whatever sin needs addressing, you will find you are confronted by
God’s word on the matter.
One way you can escape the
discomfort of conviction is to avoid hearing God speak to you. You may neglect
reading your Bible and stay away from places where it is taught. You may avoid
those whom you know will uphold the truths of Scripture. The best response,
however, is to pray as the psalmist did: “Search me, O God, and know my
heart” (Ps. 139:23). Regularly allow the word of God to wash over
you and find any sin or impurity (Eph. 5:26). Always make the
connection between your life and what God is saying to you through His word.
Make a habit of taking every word from God seriously, knowing that it is able
to judge your heart and mind.
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