The Power of a Clear Conscience
Martin Luther, the great Reformer, once stood before the Diet of Worms, refusing to recant his writings despite the threat of death. His conscience, captive to the Word of God, would not allow him to betray his convictions. This unwavering commitment to his conscience serves as a timeless example for us today.
Why Your Conscience Matters
Your conscience is a vital part of who you are, functioning like an instrument that guides your decisions and actions. While it’s not perfect and can be misinformed, it’s essential to listen to and obey your conscience, especially for Christians who have the Holy Spirit and Scripture to guide them. A clear conscience brings blessings, as Romans 14:22b-23 teaches.
Calibrating Your Conscience
Just like a scale or speedometer needs calibration to function accurately, your conscience requires alignment with God’s Word. This process involves educating your conscience with truth and using due process to work through challenging issues. John MacArthur aptly describes the conscience as a skylight, not a light bulb, emphasizing the importance of exposing it to pure light and keeping it clean.
Principles for Calibrating Your Conscience
- Educate your conscience with truth: Discern why you hold certain convictions, ensuring they’re based on Scripture and not human wisdom or error.
- Use due process: Take time to work through complex issues, seeking guidance from godly church leaders and accountability relationships.
A Community Effort
Calibrating your conscience isn’t a solo endeavor. God has placed you within a community, providing relationships of accountability to help you discern right from wrong and preference from scruple. Seek guidance from your church leaders and family, and be patient with the process, knowing that recalibration may be necessary at times.
Conclusion
A clear conscience is a powerful tool for living a life that honors God. By educating your conscience with truth and using due process, you can align your conscience with God’s Word. Remember that this journey is not alone, but with the help of your community and the guidance of Scripture.
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