One of the ways that we potentially shipwreck our lives is by violating our consciences. We hide things. Hidden things in the dark grow in power. When we bring them out of the darkness, they lose their power.
Paul reminded his young mentee, Timothy, of the importance of a clear conscience. Some people had neglected their hearts and instead focused on matters that didn’t really matter.
“5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.”
— 1 Timothy 1:5-6
19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
— 1 Timothy 1:10
The Path to a Clear Conscience
Rebekah Lyons offers three questions in her book Rhythms of Renewal that help get to a clear conscience.
- What do I need to confess? To confess something to God means to say the same things about it that God does. It means that you trust his standard and agree with him. The one who knows us best knows what’s best for us.
The one who knows us best knows what's best for us. Click To Tweet
- What do I need to release? God is patient and is able to restore us. He can bring healing and wholeness. Maybe you need to release guilt and receive God’s grace.
- What do I need to change? Often, we need to change direction. Confessing and releasing sets the stage for that. When we know better we can do better.
Take some time and do a heart check. Allow God to bring whatever is in the dark to light and bring wholeness and healing. There really is no substitute for a clear conscience.
