Title
The Guardian of the Mind
Scripture
Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
(Acts 23:1)
Devotional
The apostle did not answer shamefaced. He answered looking them straight in the eyes. There was no shuffling of feet, or groping for comment. He was certain of his convictions. He knew that he had not violated his conscience and therefore did not violate his faith. He knew in whom he had believed. This is the kind of conscience we are to have in Christ. A godly conscience is crystal clear. It does not have to think long to find the truth, for the truth is all that it possesses. A good conscience is not thin-skinned. It is not easily offended. Its fruit is peace, sound sleep, and joy; even in the midst of trials. Its anger is just and controlled. A good conscience is simply in tune with the things of God. Therefore, never violate your conscience with a lie. Always edify it with the truth. Choose to hear and speak only the truth and you can live in all good conscience before God.
Thought For The Night
“Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe? Consensus asks the question: Is it popular? Conscience asks: Is it right?” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Evening Text
Acts 23:1: Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
Looking for Answers
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Does God have a conscience? Consider 1 Corinthians 2:16.
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Of the thirty plus times that the word “conscience” is used in the Scriptures, is it ever used in a negative sense?
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Have you ever violated your conscience and in so doing violated your faith?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Conscience”: “That faculty of the mind, or inborn sense of right and wrong, by which we judge of the moral character of human conduct. It is common to all men. Like all our other faculties, it has been perverted by the Fall,” Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Referencing: “Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,” 1 Timothy 1:19.
Applying: Make sure that your conscience is in line with the Spirit and Word of God and then you can make your conscience your guide.