A cleansed conscience

I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. – Acts 24:16

The much-loved children’s story Pinocchio is about a wooden puppet whose nose grows long when he tells a lie. His friend Jiminy Cricket chirps, "Let your conscience be your guide." Pinocchio follows his advice, repents, and returns to Geppetto his creator. Geppetto gives him a heart of flesh and frees him from his strings.

There’s a principle in this story for God’s children. If we don’t listen to that voice deep down inside that tells us what we should and should not do, we live in bondage. But a cleansed conscience brings freedom.

Some people have no strong basis for making godly decisions. Their conscience is weak, and they can be easily swayed by the behavior of others. Then there are those whose conscience is defiled. The standard by which they measure good and evil is corrupted, polluted, and impure (Titus 1:15). But saddest of all are those who have a "seared" conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). They have resisted that inner voice for so long that they no longer hear what it has to say.

But you ask, "How can we have a cleansed conscience?" We must repent of our sin and return to our Creator. We must ask Him to conform our desires and behavior to His Word and then be careful to obey it. – David Roper

There is a treasure you can own

That’s greater than a crown or throne;

This treasure is a conscience clear

That brings the sweetest peace and cheer. – Isenhour

READ: Romans 2:12-16

Conscience is a trustworthy compass when God’s Word is your true north.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 28-29

• Mark 14:54-72