So I strive
always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16
God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son
in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed
(see Galatians 4:19),
His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey.
Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the
highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard
demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God
or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience
is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding
God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect
law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make
an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any
offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s
Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of
life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ;
also see Ephesians 4:23).
God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear
sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know
what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” (Ephesians 4:30).
He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is
easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive
to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to
debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the
wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever
it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.
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