I don’t sit here doing the enemy’s work much lately, but believe you me that I know the wretchedness of the man I was, am and soon will not be.  See, to me I don’t deserve condemnation for my wickedness.  You know that I need conviction every moment of the day but condemnation, that’s not my job, even when I am the subject of review.  God has already pronounced me righteous, cleansed of my sins, joint heir to the Kingdom of God and I accept His authority to make that proclamation.  I don’t go around trying to intercede for God, but rather I try to intercede for man as we desperately need help.  God knows what he is doing and I rather leave Him to it than to attempt to assert myself in to the mix and possible risk getting taken to the woodshed.

Let’s not be deluded.  The enemy will pour condemnation on each of us, hoping to bog us down in self-loathing leading to hate.  The enemy knows all the ways under our skin, the Lord rebuke him if He so chooses.  For what reason would I be expected to remain defeated?  Is there any reasoning or good order that would create positive effect if I continued to condemn either myself of other Christians.  No certainly not, God knows the plan He has for each of us and my faith is in His ability to complete that which He has first undertaken for the goodness of our character and His own glory.  Lest we forget, remember that conviction may never be ignored as it is the kind, dear, correct, loving, true and faithful word of God, given for the edification of our churches.

How may I prognosticate regarding my sanctification?  I cannot, it is clearly a work in progress with each of us.  I think that makes sense because it allows us to both be a new creature/person who is neither now facing condemnation of previous sin, having been cleansed by Jesus while facing the shaping conviction and authority of the Potter’s Hand.  Let us remain cognizant of the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit spoken by our family, friends, Christians and time of prayer.  The correct place for my growth is firmly in the hand of God, chastised, taught, chastened into normal behavior, free from condemnation by the same hand protecting me.

What now?  Striving for personal growth, not as a man alone in his learning, but as a son held tightly in his Father’s arms, surrendered, engaged, preparing.  Teaming with my brethren, reminding them of the Shepherd’s voice and that the enemy has no control over our condemnation, usefulness or adoration in God’s eyes.  Locking my shield together in prayer and resilient faith in the Lord’s Promises and ability to provide for all of our needs including protection.  Watching over younger of less equipped believers through prayer, consultation and witness.  Relying on Christ to light the way forward.  It is not time to decline, avoid or minimize the value of the Church in each of our lives, but learn to edify, build, volunteer to and weave ourselves in to the tapestry of God’s preparation.  We love Him and we wait, but not paralyzed but busy, waiting while working, loving, learning and changing for Christ.