The previous owner of our house purchased an invisible fence to keep their dog from running into the street. The “fence” is comprised of a wire buried just beneath the surface of the ground, extending around the perimeter of the yard. When the dog approached the wire, the special collar he wore would start beeping, warning him that the end of his room to roam was nearing. If the clueless canine kept going, the collar gave him an unpleasant electrical shock.
A person’s conscience is a lot like that collar. Conscience is the inner faculty that lets us know when we’re getting too close to forbidden moral territory (Romans 2:14-15). It’s a God-given moral compass.
Job, amid great pain, suffering, and bitterness of the soul (Job 27:2), made a commitment to keep his conscience clear before God (Job 27:3-6). After suffering tragedy upon tragedy, it seems as if he would have been justified in complaining, speaking evil, compromising his principles, and even cursing God. Nobody would have blamed him if he had. But he maintained his righteousness and his integrity.
Though a Christian’s conscience is considered a fairly accurate moral compass, it’s not wholly reliable. According to the writer of Hebrews, the only way it can be completely clear is through the cleansing blood of Jesus (Heb. 9:9,14).
So how can we maintain a clear conscience before God and others? By living out holiness, integrity, godly wisdom, and sincerity (2 Corinthians 1:12, 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:10). We can also invite other believers to pray that we’ll maintain a clear conscience (Hebrews 13:18).
Finally, by consistently presenting our conscience to the perfect and honest evaluation of God (1 Corinthians 4:4), its clarity will reflect the holiness and righteousness He desires.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 15:1-10
More:
Read Genesis 20, the story of Abraham and King Abimelech, to see how the conscience of the king was affected.
Next:
What has your conscience been telling you? In what ways do you need to live more honorably so that you can stand before God and others with a clear conscience?
conmeo on August 14, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I thank God for men and Women like you who are given the gift you have Marvin. My conscience has not been clear for three years after sinning and losing my wife,family, home,job and more. I know He carries me. Thank you all here you continue to give me hope in the Lord. Conmeo
daisymarygoldr on August 15, 2011 at 12:40 am
Paul always exercised and disciplined himself, mortifying his body, deadening his carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects to have a clear conscience. (Acts 24: 16 Amp)
To maintain a clear conscience we must confess every sin that we are conscious of—even though God already knows about them. Only when we uncover our sins, God will cover… with the blood of Jesus which cleanses our conscience. Otherwise we will be overwhelmed with false guilt over past sins.
No matter what our sins, when God purges our conscience and justifies us as not guilty, then no one can accuse us—not even our own conscience. A clear conscience enables us to enjoy a confident relationship with God. And if people speak against us, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life we live because we belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:16
Thanks Marvin Williams for teaching us how to maintain a clear conscience!
mike wittmer on August 17, 2011 at 10:18 am
Thanks for reminding me that my conscience isn’t fool proof, and yet I will fall into deep trouble if I violate it. May I be troubled by even the smallest of sins today.