February 25, 2023
This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:16
Divine guidance, down to the finest detail of our lives, is constantly available to you and me. That unique ability within the brain called “conscience” is a gift from Him who made us in His image. The conscience that I possess readily attaches itself to the highest standard of which I am aware. It has been described as the “eye of the soul” that looks either toward God or toward whatever I might regard as the highest standard.
Our Lord desires that we look to His perfect standard and develop the habit of sensitivity in our consciences which enables us to hear the softest, most gentle whisper of His Spirit. Whenever a committed follower of Jesus Christ is in the moment of a crucial decision, his conscience should invariably direct him to God’s perfect law. Recognition of His standard means holding it above the endless list of counterfeit standards being propagated in the world.
Even the “smallest” decision has the potential to be pivotal in my life. For every new situation of each new day, the question is always the same: Will I obey?
It is impossible for fallen human nature to obey the commands of God. Our adversary works feverishly to convince people that they can “muster” the power from within themselves to live the life of obedience, all while presenting one temptation after another. The resulting frustration is meant to portray God as an unreasonable tyrant, both to the “musterer” and to those around him or her.
In actuality, God’s commands are issued to the life of His Son living in us. That which is difficult or impossible to our human nature becomes as natural as breathing to the life of Jesus within us. Paul’s ministry had a special focus on forming—like a baby in the womb—the nature of God’s Son within each of us. At times, his rebukes seem sharp! But underneath it all is a compassion mirroring our Lord’s compassion, that desires only the best for you and me. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you . . . (Galatians 4:19)
The woman caught in adultery and thrown down before Jesus to test Him (John 8:3-11) came to understand who the real tyrant is—and the tyranny of sin that he instigates. Even the unregenerate scribes and Pharisees experienced a measure of conviction by their own consciences (v.9). But the words of the Savior were gratefully received by the woman. With a keen awakening, she recognized the divine power being offered to her for a brand-new life beginning that very day!
“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10b-11