Saturday, 17 May 2008
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God’s Imperative -- A Clear Conscience
Paul stated in Acts 24:16, “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence [blameless] toward God, and toward men. Oswald Chambers defines conscience as being that “ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly 'prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God' (Romans 12:2). Void of offense means that there is no wrongdoing, nothing that causes hurt or displeasure. Toward God—In entertaining no opinion contrary to His truth; and in offering no worship contrary to His dignity, purity, and excellence." I remember a time in my life when my conscience was not clear before God. I was afraid to go to sleep at night for fear that He would come again and I was not right with Him. Believe me, that is a terrible way to live! To have a conscience void of offense toward men means that we would do nothing to them that we wouldn’t want them to do to us if the circumstances were reversed, nor will we withhold anything by which we might comfort and serve them. There’s an old song titled Acres of Diamonds that says:
Acres of diamonds, mountains of gold,
Rivers of silver, riches untold,
All these together couldn’t buy you and me
Peace when we’re sleeping or a conscience that’s free.A heart that’s contented or a satisfied mind
For these are the treasures money can’t buy
But if you have, Jesus you’ve more wealth in your soul
Than acres of diamonds or mountains of gold.
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Comments (2)
I am very aware of the conscience God wants me to have, and, though I try daily to do the best I can, I don't ever hit that perfect mark. Thank God for his grace and mercy!
This goes directly to loving your neighbor as you would love yourself. More perfectly, 'love your neighbor as I have loved you."
When we are absent of loving ourselves it is so easy to live fearfully. Loving ourselves, is to love the Spirit within. He is Who carries us through, no matter what happens, despite any suffering...because we know...this life is brief and Eternity is forever. I'd rather take my suffering to the Cross...and it's only for a little while and look forward to the day I am told, "welcome faithful servant."
Wonderful post...because it's the truth!