CONVICTION

MEMORY VERSE: Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth (Job 40:4).

Confronted by the Lord, Job was convicted of his sin. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and Job was no exception. Conviction is the result of comparing one's sinful self with absolute righteousness. This allows us to see ourselves as God sees us.

Isaiah responded much like Job when he was given a vision of the Lord. Hear him: Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

You may have escaped conviction because you have been comparing yourself to others. Since they have shortcomings, you feel quite comfortable in the comparison. You measure up about as well as the next person. You are reasonably honest. You pay your bills. You take care of your family. You hold a respectable place in the community.

Sounds like you might make it to heaven.

Better look again! And this time look in the mirror supplied by the Lord -- the Bible. There you will see yourself as God sees you. He will give you a glimpse of His holiness.

Now, what is your need?

Do you need to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). Then tell others of your salvation.

Are you a Christian but convicted of wrongs in your life? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

What a good use for man's tongue! Responding to God's conviction!