On My Convictions...

"I have three things I'd like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night. This is the problem with American Christianity today."
        - Tony Campolo

My roommate, Brandon, posted this on Facebook along with some wise words in a note a bit ago, and although I had heard this before, I was convicted. Convicted that that many children die from preventable diseases and I don't do anything about it. Even more so, I often don't think to do anything about it. It feels now as though I have a had in their death's by ignoring it, even not meaning to do so.

Conviction is a deep and heavy feeling. It is unlike guilt, though, by the understanding that conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and not from myself (John 16:8). This morning at the Resolved Church (my San Diego church), we read through the crucifixion of Christ in the book of Matthew. Although, I have read this multiple times, it burdened me. It is easy to become religious and go through the motions as a Christian, but how do I not constantly think of the most important event of all of history: Christ's death and resurrection. How wretched am I who does not intentionally make this my one focus everyday?

There is joy to be found with conviction though. The Holy Spirit who convicts first regenerates our hearts, my heart (Titus 3:4). Because I am in Christ and Christ in me, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). We may try our hardest, but what has already been done is all that matters. In remembering the crucifixion, I am sorrowful of the pain and literal heartbreak of Jesus, but more so I am filled with joy that Jesus sacrificed Himself in my place with my name on his mind as he uttered his last words and breathed his last breaths. This gives me hope that, although I don't deserve it, I am redeemed by Christ. By Him, I am continually sanctified to be made more like Him. This is, of course, not to say I don't have to try on my part, rather remember Jesus and his Word at all times, trying to live a life resembling His.

Knowing that the atrocities of man occur in the world, let's do something about it. Be a missionary, whether it is far off or to the kid who sits alone in the cafeteria. Better yet, build a relationship with them. Support a child who parents cannot otherwise support them. Be the example that Christ was and is, and show others the love of God by loving man. Go and be like Him.

"May He continue to break our hearts for what breaks His."
        - Brandon Aguillard, my roommate and brother in Christ