FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE The importance to have a...

FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE

The importance to have a clear conscience in our Christian lives is perhaps one of the areas that most people least likely to speak of, and maybe have a hard time dealing with guilt; the question can arise as to why? And its because the reality of it, is that we all have a conscience that is defiled in one way or another.

One thing for sure and I thank God for this; is that perhaps our guilty conscience is truly one of the areas that maybe does in fact keep us on track: we all know this, its that little voice of our inner self, and this is because we become very conscientious of our behavior as children of God. So, we do anything and everything in our power to live a righteous life before the eyes of God and men alike. I also truly believe that its because of the word of God that not only strengths our spirit, in a molding way, and does wonders for our conscience as well; seeing how our conscience reminds us of the right and wrongs we are taught throughout the word of God.

Presumptuously, can we really and completely rely on our self conscience just as the old cliché says “let your conscience be your guide”, personally I don’t think that this is a wise choice. So, we therefore become more rational with the wisdom of God, and become more contrite with the knowledge of God; and with the full acknowledgement of the concept that we are to set the example to all those whose eyes are upon us; and not forgetting the simple idea of our commitment to our Heavenly Father. Although we do, and we will struggle through life living in this world; but yet we do what is expected of us without hesitation. Who better to explain and give a good answer to any notion of having a good conscience than the Apostle Paul himself. As he has always been a strong defender of the faith, and has always been very bold; his boldness is very evident when he was being accused by Tertullus the orator of being a mover of sedition, causing an insurrection, or better yet a ring leader of the Nazarenes (Acts24:16) and herein I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Another passage and is a very confrontational one at that; and is one which give us an expression, as well as an explanatory quote of what is truly expected of us without any doubt: this is found in (Ro.12:16-18). That is to be guiltless of any wrong doing as a Child of God; and be under subjection of the will of God, for two reasons: which are the wrath of God, and for our conscience sake (Ro.13:5) Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. In this passage the word wrath is used to clarify one thing and one thing only, and that is God’s wrath. This is something that we as dear children of God definitely don’t wish to see; and as we have read many passages containing the explanation of God‘s wrath: for example “vengeance is mine and I will recompense”, and another is “you don’t want to fall into the hands of the living God”. I say that if we don’t carry these messages with fear within our conscience our religion is vain; because where is our fear of God, where is our guilt, and where is having regard for the next person, or God for that matter.

In connection with our conscience of guilt we also need to put into practice rejoicing in tribulation; because happy are we when we suffer for being right, good, and righteous. Above all this gives us the satisfaction of our worthiness of God’s holy salvation, and being a part of his glorious kingdom: this is explained by Peter in his first Epistle to all Christians in general (1Pet.2:19,20) For this is thankworthy [acceptable], if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this acceptable with God. We all know just how weak we can become especially when we are in a time of need; and when it appears that everything is going wrong and that it seems that everyone is against you some how, some way! I would imagine, or assume that this is one of the areas that always gets to the best of anyone some how, some way; that this is why I truly believe why there is so much trouble out in the world: nobody wants to give in. It can literally lead certain people to go mad, crazy, and without remorse and do things irrationally; they tend to loose conscience of reality by acting out in anger and ignorance. That is why we as Christians are forewarned of these scenarios in the word of God; and by all means we must always be aware of our behavior for conscience sake of the brotherhood. In fact, that is why we have taken a more serious step in life to live by the word of God and renounce everything that was in our sinful past: this has more meaning to those who have decided to teach the word of God. The first thing that perhaps crosses the teachers mind is another cliché “ practice what you preach” because what is written in the book of Galatians: which talks about what we are taught, and how we need to speak (Gal.6:6-10). This is also clarified by Paul to the Corinthians when he declared how he has used all sincerity and faithful diligence in preaching the gospel (2Cor.4:1,2) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty [shame], not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Nevertheless and despite what will come at us, or what we have gone through, and will go through; we must assure ourselves with all certainty that we may never fail our Heavenly Father if we have a good sound mind and a clear conscience; meaning we do practice what we preach. To be strong in faith and persevere, because we have yet to see more to come; and just as all the apostle’s, as well as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered, and knowing that this was to happen, even though they knew this they all remained sane. All except one, who is better known as the son of perdition; the one whose conscience got the better of him: well any way with all awareness this is because of the assurance that was bestowed on them, and the fulfillment of the promise that God has given to all of interest. They took joy in their fulfillment by approving themselves as ministers of God; and this is explained by Paul to the Corinthians in (2Cor.6:1-10). If there is any sign of encouragement of having a good sound mind; and considering our own conscience we too need to practice and possess what they did and went through. Besides we have already begun the process of stabilizing our own assurance each day, and every time we pick up the word of God and study it; not just by reading it, but applying it to our lives as Christians. Furthermore, as dear children of God we exercise the privileges that are written for our benefit; not just by keep them to ourselves, but to pass it on to others who are interested as well: above all this is a commandment that we do carry, and practice this with its high importance. We know of its importance and we dare not question it; only live it to its full application, because the one thing that surrounds everything pertaining to the word of God is Love: this is expressed by Paul in his letter to Timothy (1Tim.1:5) Now the end of the commandment {charge} is charity {love} out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and faith unfeigned. All I know is that in speaking of our conscience we tend to regret many things that have occurred in our lives in which develops guilt; and by this guilt we admit to ourselves that we need to confess our errors, mistakes, and sins. So, with this being known thank God for the privilege of forgiveness and being able to redeem ourselves to God with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: this is all done by, and through faith with a pure conscience (1Tim.3:9) Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. As a reminder to us we must never forget that through the precious blood of Jesus we were bought, so, we therefore keep this in mind for conscience sake as well, because it’s the blood that keeps us pure, and keeps us clean to be holy (Heb9:14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

It all makes sense to the last detail of every word that we read in the word of God without a doubt; and its amazing just how wonderful its put together for our benefit. The main benefit would be that we no longer live in sin, or for sin; and did away with that evil conscience that once separated us from the love of God (Heb.10:22-23) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession [confession] of our faith [hope] without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;): now in reference to the pure water that is spoken of, in this passage; as I did my research this is speaking of the pure and living water that our lord once spoke of (Jo.4:14) But whosever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. For conscience sake we must always remember that through the pure blood of Christ is what keeps us close to our Heavenly Father; it has done everything for us for instance we have remission of sins, we are cleaned and made pure and holy, we were purged from all sin, iniquities, and transgressions; and the list goes on and on. I truly believe that we have a wide variety of examples we can follow that are written in the scriptures. Which are very good and strong examples, but we read what the author of Hebrews wrote to all Christians in general that we must pertain to, and act on, and live by for our conscience sake: is to look no further to who is in charge of us, and are setting the example as well (Heb.13:17-18) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. To conclude this lesson I wish only to say that may the good Lord bless you and keep you always, and never forget that the eyes of God are upon the righteous, and he hears their prayers!