Conviction or a Guilt-Trip?

Sun Tzu, a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher in the early 6th Century wrote the classic, “The Art of War,” From which came the phrase “Know thine enemy.” The full quote is:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Paul cautioned believers with similar words saying that satan will not outwit us if we are aware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11 paraphrased). We need to know our enemy to the degree that we recognize his evil hand.
One of Satan’s favorite schemes goes like this: he presents a temptation, dangling the carrot of pleasure or power or wealth before us, enticing us until we bite. And as soon as we do he changes his tactic from temptation to condemnation. “Look at you! You call yourself a Christian? God is disgusted with you! He will never love you after what you’ve done!” Pretty soon we’re crying, “God has found fault with me” (Job 33:10).
You and I need to know the difference between satan’s guilt trips and the Spirit’s conviction. When the Spirit speaks to us about our sin he does so with the goal of restoration. Conviction from the Holy Spirit produces “godly sorrow [which] brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret. But satan’s accusations bring “worldly sorrow [that] brings death” (2 Cor 7:9-10). Satan wants to tear you down and bury you under a load of shame. The Spirit wants to turn your heart away from sin and back to the One who loves you – even when you sin.
Here’s the key to recognizing one from the other. Satan’s attacks turn our attention to ourselves. The Spirit will call you out but He will always turn your attention to God and His mercy, forgiveness, and grace. And His high and holy calling on your life.
In heaven, satan is called “the accuser of [God’s people], who accuses them before our God day and night” (Rev 12:10). But God’s not buying it. And neither should you. If you are in Christ, God sees His Son – not your sin – when He looks at you. Beloved, take His Word for it.