A BLAMELESS CONSCIENCE – Dr.
Neil Anderson
Acts 24:16
I also do my best to maintain
always a blameless conscience both before God and before men
Folklore advises, "Let
your conscience be your guide." This has serious limitations since our
conscience is a function of our mind. Having been conformed to this world, the
conscience can be programmed wrongly. It is always true to its own standard.
Until we come to Christ, the standard is the world system in which we were
raised. Many people are falsely guided by a guilty conscience--not a true
guilt, but a psychological guilt usually developed in early childhood. Satan
works through this stronghold to accuse the brethren day and night (Revelation
12:10).
People like this are usually
perfectionists who labor under condemnation, even though the Bible says there
is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8;1). They aren't
led; they are driven. They constantly look for affirmation. They have a tendency
to be man-pleasers. Paul said, "If I were still trying to please men, I
would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). If you are
striving to please men, of whom are you a bond-servant?
Since our minds were conformed
to this world, we need to renew them in such a way that what we believe is in
accordance with truth. Chapter 14 of Romans deals with how we should walk in
regard to nonmoral issues. Paul says, "The faith which you have, have as your
own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he
approves" (Romans 14:22).
However, we are to restrict our
freedom if it causes a weaker brother to stumble. We never have the right to
violate another person's conscience. Paul says, "I also do my best to
maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men"
(Acts 24:16). Be very cautious about going against your own conscience once you
are committed to Christ. The Holy Spirit does work through our consciences as
He seeks to renew our minds.
Prayer: Thank
You, Lord, that my mind and conscience can be renewed daily through the power
of Your Word.
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