Devotional - July 6, 2004

Having a clear conscience is something most of us seldom give thought. Too many of us allow unresolved conflicts to control us and affect others long after the fact.

Without fear of contradiction, I believe troubled consciences among church members is the primary reason our congregations are not living up the potential God gave us. Paul however, knew the importance of settling disputes quickly and reconciling differences with others before allowing his conscience to become seared.

If the truth were told and Christians were to be totally honest with ourselves, men and God, most all of us hold offenses against others. And sometimes we carry these "burdens" without even knowing what it was that offended us in the first place. Those who disagreed with the Gospel, painted Paul as a troublemaker and instigator who desecrated the holy things of God as given to Moses. (Vs. 24:5) Of course their assertion was not true but there were plenty of others who rallied against Paul in support of their friends and the status quo.

The last time someone falsely accused you, I imagine you had a desire to clear your name and set the record straight. But I'm reminded of what I heard a long time ago. Never explain your actions. Your enemies don't deserve it and your friends don't demand it.

How do you clear your conscience? First, you refuse to keep long accounts. That is, you determine to be at peace with God and man. When you sin, quickly confess it to God (and to man if your sin was against them). Next, you make it right if possible by asking them to forgive you. Scripture says God forgives when we do that (1 Jo 1:9), but we also know that men will oft times refuse to forgive you while clinging to your offense and spending time to pay you back.

Regardless of whether men forgive you, hold nothing against people, even if they continue to hold a grudge against you. Only then can you have a clear conscience - void of offense toward God or man. The real problem in church congregations however, is the tendency to choose sides when someone apparently offended a friend. That's called "taking up an offense" and is the source of most problems within the church.

"I don't know why I dislike him, but my close friends don't like him and neither will I. I think I'll sit on the opposite side of church from him during worship. Praise the Lord and pass the offering plate." Talk about hypocrisy!

How can you stay out of harms way and avoid taking up an offense? Simple. Unless you're part of the solution or part of the problem, stay out of conversations that involve other people. Then refuse to believe anything about anyone unless it's first hand. Finally, learn to be a defender of the reputation of those who are innocent victims of offense-minded people. But, make certain you don't hold anything against them without attempting to make it right or you're no better than them.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ch. 2:18-4:4 Ac. 24:1-27 Ps. 4:1-8 Pr. 18:16-18 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society