How to Gain a Clear Conscience

Posted on August 19, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16

I have been reading through a new devotional written by Steve Arterburn from New Life Ministries. It is called 100 Days of Prayer and is available from Smile.Amazon.com.

By the way, you can help the ministry of America’s Keswick by making America’s Keswick your charity of choice.

I have read the book of Acts hundreds of times, and somehow, I missed Acts 24:16.

That verse this week jumped off the page of Scripture, and it was a powerful reminder.

Listen to what several Christian leaders say about having a clear conscience:

Your conscience is your alarm system. It’s your protection. Charles Stanley

You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you. Martin Luther

The beginning of backsliding means your conscience does not answer to the truth. Oswald Sanders

How do you know if you have a clear conscience?

Are there brothers or sisters that you have offended by a word, deed, or action that you can’t look in the eye?

Are there brothers or sisters that you have offended by a word, deed, or action that you avoid when they walk in the room?

Do you avoid going to church or other places because you know that you have offended someone by a word, deed, or action?

If you have left your place of employment, do you have the freedom to go back to visit because you served well or you have not offended a fellow brother or sister by something you said, something you did, something you should have down?

Is there a nagging feeling in your mind and heart that something you have thought, said or done, has hurt your spouse, your kids, your family, your employer, a fellow co-worker?

The Institute in Basic Life Principles gives a list of questions to evaluate our interaction with others to determine if we have offended:

  1. Have you stolen money or other items from stores, family members, neighbors, employers of others? (See Exodus 20:15 and Ephesians 4:28)
  2. Have you lied to anyone? (See Exodus 20:16 and Colossians 3:9)
  3. Have you lost your temper with anyone? (See Ephesians 4:26 and James 1:19-20)
  4. Have you damaged the reputation of anyone by participating in gossip, backbiting, or slander? (See Psalm 101:5 and Ephesians 4:29)
  5. Have you been ungrateful for what others have done for you? (See Colossians 3:15 and Ephesians 4:29)
  6. Have you held a grudge against anyone? (See Colossians 3:12-13)
  7. Have you rebelled against people who are in authority over you or been disrespectful toward them? (See Romans 13:1)
  8. Have you harbored a prideful spirit? (See 1 Peter 5:5 and Romans 12:3)
  9. Have you failed to show genuine love when others reacted to you? (See 1 Peter 2:21-23 and 1 John 4:20)

We will dive into this a little deeper next week. In looking at the 9 questions, has the Holy Spirit tapped on your shoulder in any way? If so, don’t ignore it. Purpose in your heart to take care of it. We’ll discuss that in the weeks to come.

Relentlessly pursuing Christ,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

Think About This: “The self-righteous never apologize.” – Leonard Ravenhill

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 103-104, Galatians 4| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. – Psalm 139:7-8

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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