Our actions are not our own to make. We must consult the Spirit first. Otherwise, what’s the point of salvation?

When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

When wickedness comes–choosing our way over God’s way. It’s rebellion. We tend to see certain acts as wicked acts, but really, any act that is NOT SPIRIT-LED is a wicked act. We are all wicked at heart. Praise be to God for His mercy and His grace!

So does contempt–This sword slices both ways. We tend to hold people in contempt when we are focused on ourselves. Likewise, those to whom we show a contemptible attitude hold us in contempt. Christians are called on by God to fight through these feelings; non-Christians have no such compunction (the prick of conviction).

With shame–The shame we feel when we have these feelings of contempt for someone is the Holy Spirit’s presence and participation. He is calling us to repent and to come back to the Narrow Way. Many times, this call comes with our wicked actions in the form of consequences. Sin destroys us: our relationships, our health, the atmosphere of our social environment, etc.

Comes reproach–Reproach is the judgment of our actions and our unwillingness to repent. It’s the punishment and/or correction of our actions. As children of the King, the last thing we want is to be rebuked by our LORD.

What we need to realize is that we are to take EVERY thought captive to our LORD Jesus Christ so that we can find out how to make it obedient to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our every action should be based upon a conversation WE HAVE ALREADY HAD with the Spirit about the subject. Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing” comes into play here (Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Our constant communication with the Spirit is what our salvation is all about!

This morning as we come together to worship corporately, may we have already communed with the Spirit, checked our wickedness (our tendency to see/do things our own way) at the door, and be ready to praise and honor our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will be honoring the Father as we turn to Him, and His Spirit will rejoice within us, which causes us to praise Him all the more, which causes more rejoicing, and so on (I started to say that it lasts all day, but it’s really forever!).

Abba, the wickedness of my heart shows every time I butt heads with Your Spirit. May I quickly “die to self and live for Christ” as You gently lead me in the way everlasting. I can hardly wait to get out of this body of sin!!! In the meantime, I will trust in You for grace, mercy, patience, correction, and forgiveness. I love You. I’m SO GLAD You love me.

Looking forward to worshipping with my brothers and sisters, LORD. Amen.