Far too often, Christians walk around with misplaced guilt and shame that does not come from the Holy Spirit.  Even though there is a place for guilt, and the Holy Spirit does convict us of guilt when we sin (John 16:8: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (NIV)), Christians succumb to readily to condemnatory and self-righteous guilt.  Kevin DeYoung compiles a short list of ways in which Christians feel guilty.  Perhaps you have fallen to one of these:

• We could pray more.
• We aren’t bold enough in evangelism.
• We like sports too much.
• We watch movies and television too often.
• Our quiet times are too short or too sporadic.
• We don’t give enough.
• We bought a new couch.
• We don’t read to our kids enough.
• Our kids eat Cheetos and french fries.
• We don’t recycle enough.
• We need to lost 20 pounds.
• We could use our time better.
• We could live some place harder or in something smaller.

This isn’t to say we shouldn’t try to honor God whether we eat or drink.  But is our ultimate identity wrapped up in one of these responses?  If so, we are guilt-ridden apart from Christ.  Read the rest of Kevin DeYoung’s post, especially if you have ever struggled with guilt.