A Blameless Conscience (3)

Condemnation is another force that distorts our conscience and keeps us from living in God’s truth today.  Many people become perfectionists and labor under condemnation even though the Bible says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NIV). They aren't led; they are driven. They constantly look for affirmation. They have a tendency to be people-pleasers.  They have turned up the volume of these demands in their hearts for so long that it is now difficult to hear God’s voice of guidance and truth. 

The apostle Paul said, "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV). 

If we are striving to please others, to gain a sense of personal value, whose servant are we?  God created us to live for Him and has a specific plan for each of us.  When our conscience is shaped by a wounded spirit we will find we are mechanically acting out of people pleasing motives, rather than God pleasing love.  Here are some things we think or say that indicate this problem is likely active in our lives:

Today as we live with God in recovery we have the opportunity to learn how God intends for us to live. He has plans to take care of us and good plans for our future.  God promises to bless us wherever we go and in whatever we do.  He will also help us defeat our enemies as we stand firm on His word.  The key to having a blameless conscience is in seeking to know and follow God’s will and plan for our lives, regardless of the opinions of others.  We need to spend time in God’s Word to know His ways.  We need to ask for and receive God’s strength to act on the directions He gives and allow our minds and our consciences to be reshaped and reprogrammed with His truth.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:31-32 NLT)

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