Last night at our small group study we talked about the need to discern “conviction of the Spirit” from “accusation by the enemy.” That’s because there was enough “fuel” served up this weekend for conviction’s, or accusation’s, fire to burn. At men’s breakfast some of our young men shared about their recent trip to Mexico to help out a family who have taken in 17 foster children. Of particular note for some of them was the fact that the Lord’s Day really was the Lord’s Day . . . devoted to fellowship . . . devoid of busy itineraries . . . believers just enjoying unrushed time to spend with believers. Hmmm . . . Then on Sunday, the message was on “Organic Discipleship” . . . a brother speaking on the Great Commission . . . and it’s fulfillment by making disciples . . . motivated by worship for the King . . . commissioned and conferred by the authority of the King . . . enabled through the power of the King through His promised abiding presence . . . realized as we intentionally spend time with others. Himmm . . .

And as I sit here on the morning after the weekend before . . . still chewing on what “doing life with the few” means for me . . . whether I’m dealing with conviction or accusation . . . two words jumped off the page at me as I read 1Corinthians 13 this morning . . . “fully known.”

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.    (1Corinthians 13:12 ESV)

For all the light that’s been graciously given . . . for all the spiritual truth that has been freely revealed . . . there remains the fact that, for so many things, we’re still looking into a scratchy piece of metal that provides a less then best reflection . . . that we operate with less then perfect of knowledge . . . that we still see dimly, many things remaining somewhat of an enigma. Like . . . conviction or accusation?

And while I look forward to that day when “I shall fully know” . . . I am comforted . . . and encouraged by the reminder that I have been fully known.

While I deal with certain “mysteries” . . . there is no mystery about me before my God. While I might second guess myself . . . there is no shadow of turning with Him. While I might feel like I’m walking through a house of mirrors, at times, . . . trying to find the way, but running into walls occasionally . . . He knows the path set before me and has promised to direct all my ways if I will but trust in the Lord with all my heart (Prov. 3:5-6).

And so, as I wrestle with what this weekend means in terms of what, if any, adjustments I should be making . . . for right know, I will rest in the reality that I am fully known. I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He has prepared in advance that I should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). And so, I will wait on the One who has “searched me and known me” (Ps. 139:1) . . . He who formed me (139:13) . . . He who has written down the days ordained for me (139:16). And to Him, will I echo the psalmist’s petition . . .

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Looking in a mirror dimly . . . anticipating that time when I am face to face and fully know . . . until then, confident in the One by whom I am fully known.