… strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men —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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May 13, 2013
Lord, when I read a devotional like this I am reminded that my conscience is constantly telling me that I am following my own path, chasing my own needs and desires; provision, safety, health, and my own sense of happiness. How can I train myself to trust You for these things?
And God says…”You cannot train yourself, you can however, surrender yourself and your wants and needs to Me…this and every morning. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not trust your own instincts or inclinations. And remember that you become like Christ by faith through grace. May your personal failures today, guide you to the grace of God that will also reinforce your faith as you grasp My perfect plan for my imperfect children. Delight yourself in the Lord, your LifeSong will sing, and you will be blessed, this and every day.”
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