DEVOTION, Feb. 2, 2021

… I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people (Acts 24:16, NLT).

Paul spoke these words while on trial before Felix. The Jews accuse him of treason. He has denied the Jewish faith by preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Of course, Paul is only being a good Jew. He believes the Law and the prophets. They point to a coming Messiah, and Paul proclaims that He has come in the person of Jesus, the crucified and resurrected Savior. His conscience is clear before God and all people.

It makes me wonder.  How is my conscience? Is it clear? If our conscience is formed by Scripture and prayer and faithfulness to Jesus, I am sure our conscience is clear. If the world’s standards influence our conscience, beware! When we wander away from Scripture, prayer, and Christ’s Church, our conscience becomes confused and distorted.

We know our conscience is clear when we are striving to do God’s will at all times. We don’t want a spiritually starved conscience to guide us. Paul says that pure faith in a pure heart leads to a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:5). I think my conscience can be improved. How about you?

Father God, help me to develop a pure conscience through faithfulness to You and Your Son. There are so many false ideas floating around in our world. I do not want such thoughts to distort my conscience. May Your Holy Spirit guide me to faithfulness and a pure conscience. In Jesus name, Amen.