Have you ever noticed how easy it is to think more highly of yourself than your actions actually reveal? It’s a common human tendency. Most of us believe we are more mature, more patient, or more spiritually developed than we truly are. The truth is, every one of us has blind spots—areas where our need for growth is quietly exposed.
Ignoring that reality leads to spiritual stagnation. Recognizing it, however, keeps us moving forward in God’s plan for our lives.
Jesus addressed this very issue in a short but piercing parable.
Matthew 21:28–32 (NIV): “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” ‘The first,’ they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.’”
This parable confronts the gap between what we say and what we do. One son talked poorly but obeyed. The other spoke well but never followed through. Jesus made it clear—obedience matters more than appearances.
Notice something important here: Jesus was not shaming or condemning His listeners. He was challenging them. Conviction from God is never meant to crush us; it is meant to awaken us. When you feel that gentle “poke” in your heart, it’s actually good news. It means your heart is still tender. It means the Holy Spirit is at work in you, lovingly guiding you toward growth.
We all need change—every single one of us.
Whether it’s anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, sexual temptation, pride, or a lack of self-control, the Holy Spirit faithfully reveals areas that need attention. He does not expose us to embarrass us; He exposes us to heal us.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Transformation is a lifelong process. We will never reach perfection on this side of eternity, but our standing with God does not depend on our performance—it depends on Jesus. Through His sacrifice, we are made righteous before God, even while He continues refining us. That alone should fill our hearts with gratitude and humility.
Still, Jesus cares deeply about our growth because unaddressed areas in our lives can hinder blessing and limit our influence. That’s why the Holy Spirit convicts—not to condemn, but to mature us into the people God created us to be.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT): “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
So the next time you feel God gently pressing on your heart, don’t resist it. Embrace it. Ask Him what He is teaching you. Invite His help. Trust that He is shaping you step by step into His likeness.
This week, take an honest look inward and ask: Am I living out what I say I believe? Where there is a gap, let God’s grace—His supernatural help—fill it. His love is constant. His mercy is new every morning. And His Spirit is ready to guide you into lasting change.
Colossians 1:10 (NIV): “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me not to feel insecure when You prompt my heart to make changes in what I say or do. Help me pause, reflect, repent when necessary, and receive Your help to make the changes You are leading me to make. Thank You for being patient with me and faithful to finish the work You began in my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
