STAGE 3: CONVICTION AND ORDINATION The purpose of revelation, which leads to illumination (that brings understanding), is to bring us to a place of conviction. As Christians, we straddle between two Kingdoms, touching the Kingdom of God while living in the Kingdom of Man. We are not of this world (John 17:16) but have yet to enter into eternity. Therefore, you and I have been called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God and receive His revelation so that we don’t conform to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2). Once we receive the revelation and encounter illumination, we come to a crossroad – either we trust God or succumb to our logic and disbelief. Trusting God can only happen when there is conviction within us, a strong belief that pursuing the things of God reaps greater rewards than pursing the things of man. How do we get to that place of conviction? Suppose you try to tell someone to quit smoking. You list out all the downsides but it’s highly unlikely that he/she will stop habit until there’s a rude awakening – lung cancer or health problems to a loved one due to second-hand smoke. It’s the same with getting our children to study. All the dreams of a better future fall on deaf ears until they experience the consequences of their actions like failing an exam or having to repeat a subject. Suddenly all that information immediately turns into illumination
that brings conviction (“If I don’t do something about it now, I will continue to suffer”). The truth is this: we don’t need to wait until we experience negative consequences. This includes whatever promptings the Holy Spirit is bringing to our hearts. Upon receiving the revelation and encountering illumination, remain in God’s presence. Ask Him to search our hearts and remove all that is standing in the way of pursing His plans and directions. I believe each of us wants to fly high and last long in this journey of faith. If you want to continue fighting the good fight and finish the race strong (1 Timothy 4:7), you will need conviction to keep you on the path God had planned for you.
You and I have been called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God and receive His revelation so that we don’t conform to the patterns the world.”
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