ACTS 23:1 – “And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.””

ACTS 24:16 – “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

THEME OF THE DAY: ONE OF LIFE’S GREATEST TREASURES.   Well, let’s start listing some of the things that we consider life’s greatest treasures. I will give four possibilities, then, we are on our own; our salvation, family, church, and friends are a good beginning.  No doubt we place the highest value on these because they point to what is most important in life – people.

In looking at today’s scriptures, another treasure in life is discovered.  A rich treasure. An invaluable treasure.  A great treasure.  It is a good conscience.  In writing to a young pastor named Timothy, the Apostle Paul would place a good conscience as one of the three priorities in the office of pastor . . .

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).

As we look at the two passages from the book of Acts, there are three truths about a good and clear conscience that are identified for us. The first is the hard work necessary to maintain such a conscience – “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience” (Acts 24:16a). We constantly must do battle against what prevents a good and clear conscience – sin.  Sins of thought, sins of speech, sins of eyes, and sins of attitude towards people.  A Christian striving to live with a good and clear conscience knows how easily defilement can come – an unkind word, illicit thought or look, or allowing a critical attitude towards others.  This is warfare!

A second truth about a good and clear conscience is that it is constant – “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day” (Acts 23:1b).  The Apostle Paul speaking of himself would basically say, “I am conscious of living before the presence of God and thus strive for a good and clear conscience.”  Learning to live aware, not always by felt experience, but a mental discipline of God’s Presence helps us toward a conscience undefiled by sin.

The final truth to consider in the pursuit of a good and clear conscience is its importance in all our relationships. Again, from Paul. He states, “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” (Acts 24:16).  He knows his responsibility in a healthy relationship with both God AND man demands a good and clear conscience.  In fact, should a conscience not be so, there is no fellowship with the Lord, and when our fellowship with the Lord is lacking, then the quality of all human relationships will suffer.  Gone will be authenticity, transparency, and a genuine concern of commitment to one another in the bonds of Christ’s love.  Why? A guilty and a defiled conscience “clogs” up the channels of God’s love and grace – the two essential virtues to empower and keep a good and clear conscience.

So, God has given us many treasures in this life.  One high on the list is a good and clear conscience. Prize it for its value.

PRAYER:  Father, may I strive to live with a clear conscience between You and every person in my life.

REFLECTION:  A clear conscience is fundamental for a close walk with the Lord Jesus.