Why is it so hard to do the right thing? It’s a battle because it seems we are rewarded for doing the wrong thing. When we do the wrong thing, we fit in with the world. When we do the right thing, we stand out from the world. We can even face persecution for standing for what is right.

The enemy even sends distractions and obstacles to trip us up. But mature Christians respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and choose to please God rather than men.

• Romans 7 :15-20 New King James Version – ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Conviction is the Voice of the Holy Spirit telling us what is right and what is wrong. Every parent who really loves their child, will correct their child. God is the best parent ever. He will correct every son or daughter of God.

• John 16:7-12 New King James Version – ⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Condemnation is from the enemy. It is the awareness of sin without hope of changing for the better. Condemnation brings shame on the believer and does not point us to the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to change.

Sometimes we rebel against God and go against His will because of the influence of people who don’t serve God. God will at times send adversity our way because of disobedience (not always–some adversity is just a test of faith).

• Conviction from the Holy Spirit will disrupt our peace so we understand that we are going in the wrong direction.
• Conviction from the Holy Spirit will lead us to do the right thing.
• Conviction should lead to corrective action.
• Conviction does not give the flesh excuses.
• Conviction will not allow us to rest until we do what God has instructed.
• Conviction will not allow us to justify disobedience.
• Conviction will lead us to repent.

Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 New King James Version