Thought for the Day

God does not send evil things to teach us a lesson. The Lord instructs us by His Word and His Spirit - the same way that teachers teach children in school. However, we can learn the hard way, if we fail to heed that instruction or apply it to our hearts. It is better to learn by studying and heeding God's instruction than by sowing and reaping. God desires that we stop reaping destruction for our sins, and mature in Christ. To pass a course in school, we must learn the subject to pass our exams. Diligent students interact with their teachers, asking questions. In the same way, Christians must know God in a living relationship, for Him to be able to share His wisdom with them. The Holy Spirit is our teacher; the Bible is our textbook; becoming like Jesus is the course; and the classroom is our life on earth. If we pay attention when the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and study His textbook, we are enabled to pass life's tests. We find few overcomers because many may know God's Word, but they do not apply it to their lives.

Ignorance of God's Word invites Satan to destroy us (Hosea 4:6 AMP). Can "doing our homework" by praying and studying the Bible prevent negative things in our life? Yes, it can. We may know that prayer changes things, but how much time do we spend in prayer and Bible study, versus watching television or other time-wasters? God made a way for us to overcome through Jesus Christ and instructs us in His Word. If life's trials overwhelm us and we are living in defeat as Christians, it is not God's fault.

The Holy Spirit teaches us God's ways, both correcting and reproving us for sin (John 16:8). We need both! He convicts us that we may turn from the sins that destroy us. The Greek word for "chastise" means primarily "to train children." Used in the New Testament, it brings to mind the fact that classical education brought correction through both admonition and corporal punishment. The Holy Spirit admonishes us through both Scripture and conscience. Realizing how wrong we are is painful. If we ignore Him, He may allow the sharper pain of reproof through people or embarrassing circumstances. If we still ignore Him, He may chastise us by allowing us to reap what we sow. In grasping this, we will understand that God is not the author of evil, but it is our own sinful choices that produce destructive consequences in our lives.

It is important to discern when the Holy Spirit is convicting of sin versus when the enemy is accusing us. True conviction leads to seeking God and repentance. It results in joy, freedom and growth. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, He shows us specifically both the sin and the way out of it. Sometimes Satan accuses vehemently, but is vague about the sin. He uses condemnation in an attempt to cause us to avoid God, which results in torment and stunted growth. Satan's lies bring condemnation and fear, while God's truth lifts us up, and shows us the way out of defeat. He will enable us to overcome, if we will choose His ways instead of our own. If we turn to God and forsake evil, we will never be condemned.