READING: Acts 24-26
“I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.”
Acts 24:16
Maybe you operate differently than I do, but I’ve spent far too many nights through the years burdened about my sin. I don’t want to make unrighteous choices, but in no way do I walk in perfection. I sin, and the reality of that sin eats at my heart even after I’ve confessed it to God. Sure, I know He forgives me – for which I’m most grateful – but still I sometimes struggle in accepting His grace. My conscience doesn’t rest well until I can fully accept and receive His grace.
On the other hand, I also know the incredible joy of obedience. Just as deeply as conviction settles in my sinful soul, godly joy overwhelms me when I walk in obedience. Sin’s lure may be strong, but the peace of a clean heart and mind is so sweet that the temporary pleasure of sin ought to lose its force.
This was Paul’s goal – to so walk with God that his heart would always be pure. Here’s the way he put it: “I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men” (Acts 24:16). That is, he continually fought for holiness, standing against wrong and intentionally choosing what was right in spite of the cost. He disciplined himself to do right—and his clear conscience was evidence that God gave him victory.
Here’s a case where the Word of God gives us a simple goal to seek: to always have a clear conscience toward God and man. Getting there may be difficult, but we can rest assured we won’t get there unless we set the goal and “always strive” in that direction.
ACTION STEPS:
- Strive to have a clear conscience before God and man today.
- Thank God for the sweetness that accompanies obedience.
PRAYER: “Lord, show me my sin today, and cleanse my heart.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch-up day