O CALL ME “INRI” LED: On Conscience and Self-Reflection

Upon thinking about pangs of conscience as we reflect upon our walk with God, please remember that judging yourself aright can be extremely difficult because our hearts are deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) and we then become prone to fall into the pitfalls of legalism or antinomianism as we are tempted to fall prey to feelings on condemnation brought upon us by feelings of worldly sorrow.

Therefore to help us think aright about the matter let us move our focus away from our resistant besetting sins to the victims of our sins, and especially upon the ultimate victim of Jesus Christ who willingly took our sinful infirmities upon Himself as if they were his own.

Let us consider the Tears of Christ and be graciously moved with godly sorrow to true repentance empowered by the Holy Spirit and not our own frail and folly-filled human will.

Nonconformist minister and author, Matthew Henry is quoted as saying: “Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.”

Honestly, I’ve had a very difficult time actually understanding, let alone believing this until only these last few years of my life in which I’ve had to travel through some dark and difficult days of my own. The Lord blessed me by introducing me to one of our Christian forerunners in the faith Charles Naylor. I read one of his works, “When Adversity Comes” in which I learned that he had suffered adversity—loss of health, bereavement, unexpected reverses, disappointed hopes, and many other calamities that happen to people. He spent thirty-five years as a bedridden invalid with pain as a constant companion, serious financial losses, and the loss of his wife, but by the help of God he has mastered the calamities that came upon him in life.

This work greatly helped me through a difficult stretch on my own life and I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone in the faith!! It ultimately led me to sharing the spiritual fruits that I’ve received from undergoing those trying times in my following blogpost - “It’s gotta be da’ shoes!!”

Please remember to:

Take one day at a time. - Matthew 6:34

Remember all things work for good. - Romans 8:28

Under no circumstances should you worry. - Philippians 4:6

Start everyday with prayer and thanksgiving. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Lord will never forsake you. - Hebrews 13:5

And please know that …

“There is a Warrior protecting you... (Exodus 15:3, Isaiah 42:13, Zephaniah 3:17)

A Shepherd directing you... (Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 79:13, John 10:11)

A Savior keeping you... (Isaiah 45:21-22, 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 1 Timothy 1:15)

A Priest blessing you... (Hebrews 4:14-15, Leviticus 16:16,34, Hebrews 9:11-14)

A Father loving you!!!” (Isaiah 64:8, Psalm 103:13, Matthew 7:11)