A Good Conscience

“…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…having a good conscience…”

(1 Peter 3:15-16)

What does it take to have a good conscience? Having a good conscience is one of the keys to living without guilt before the Lord. If we could go through life without ever breaking any of God’s laws, we would have nothing to feel guilty about. But I don’t know anyone with that kind of record. Only Jesus Christ could ask, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” and have no fear of being accused. (John 8:46)

Yet, the apostle Peter told his readers to commit their hearts to the Lord God, “having a good conscience.” (1 Peter 3:15-16) And Paul encouraged Timothy to “wage a good warfare, having faith and a good conscience.” (1 Timothy 1:19) On one occasion, when brought before some religious leaders who didn’t like what he was saying, Paul even asserted, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day!” (Acts 23:1)

How is it possible for us to have a good conscience? The New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death as our only hope of achieving it. Through faith in Him, our hearts can be “sprinkled from an evil conscience.” (Hebrews 10:22.) And His blood can “Cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:14)

There is great joy in being able to have a clear conscience. The poet Isenhour penned these words long ago:

There is a greater treasure you can own

That’s greater than a crown or a throne

This treasure is a conscience clear

That brings the sweetest peace and cheer

In agreement with the poet, I think the scripture definitely indicates that a good conscience is one of the best friends we’ll ever have. Without a doubt, having a good conscience gives us both peace and confidence in our Christian living.

Mmmm…Think about it! PTL.