A Devotional from Oswald Chambers
. . . strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:16
God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed (see Galatians 4:19), His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey.
Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ; also see Ephesians 4:23).
God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God . . .” (Ephesians 4:30). He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.
If you are new to reading Oswald Chambers, you can learn more at Oswald Chamber's Bio. We own one of his devotionals 'My Utmost for His Highest' and it is a keeper.
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If you are new to Shabbat Shalom Link Up and if you are feeling led, be encouraged to submit scriptures, worship music, something special about your worship group, devotions, bible studies, or encouragement articles on how to keep Shabbat set apart. Please do come back to visit as this Link Up does get bigger!
May Yah bless all of your days,
The Brunos
Sage words! So much to take in there! So true.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful wisdom!
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Yeshua HaMashiach,
Joycelyn