A well-functioning conscience points us in the right direction; it’s like a moral compass where true north aligns us with God’s will. The Bible tells us our conscience can be good, pure, defiled, seared or evil (see Hebrews, 13:18, 2 Timothy 1:3, Titus 1:15, 1 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 10:22). Without taking the time now to elaborate on each of these, it is obvious that the state of one’s conscience directly impacts the trustworthiness of the direction it is pointing. Suffice it to say, the closer you walk with God, the more reliable your conscience. God’s Word defines the path we should walk on; Jesus Christ showed us how to walk on it; and the Holy Spirit of God empowers us to successfully make the journey.
The Apostle Paul walk very closely with God. He valued greatly the testimony of his conscience with regards to how he was living his life. He rejoiced in what the grace of God made possible concerning how he and other Christians conducted themselves in the world and in the church.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
Much of the Bible is like a maintenance manual for your conscience. By heeding God’s Word, we can preserve and improve the performance of our conscience. Here are just a few examples of hindrances and helps for a reliable conscience (this list is far from all inclusive).
Conscience Hindrances
Reliance on the Law
- Galatians 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
- Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
- Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.
- Ephesians 2:2-4 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Conscience Helps
Faith in the Father
- Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
- 1 Corinthians 1:4-7 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Testimony of a Good and Pure Conscience
The testimony of Christ in your life should be a witness to who God is and what He is doing in, through and around you. A good and pure conscience is an important part of a God honoring personal testimony. The testimony of our conscience helps to guide our life. Our personal testimony bears witness before all of who we are in Christ Jesus.
Our Testimony before God
- Luke 1:5-6 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
- God sees our heart. He understands our desires, motives and intents. Although we won’t be sinless until we get to heaven, we can be righteous before God in Christ.
Our Internal Testimony
- James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
- Becoming a new creation in Christ begins with an internal change: we are spiritually reborn and indwelled with God’s Holy Spirit. This internal change bears witness to the truth of God’s Word and leads to external change.
Our Testimony in the Church
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
- As a follower of Jesus, we are adopted by God and become a part of Christ’s body, the church. Our engagement and involvement with the church bear witness to our unity with and love for the people that make up the church.
Our Testimony in the World
- Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
- Through Christ’s love and power, Christians should impact the world around them. Our attitude and actions should be a testimony to a lost and dying world that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, our conscience is a gift from You. Please draw us into a closer walk with You so we can have a good and pure conscience that we can trust. May we boast only in You! May our testimony bear witness of You! Enable us to shine brightly in this world, to show the love of Christ and to share the truth of Your Word. I praise You and love You and pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
