Text: Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 139:23–24 (KJV)
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” — Acts 24:16
Paul stood before Felix to answer human accusations, but he was more concerned with another courtroom—the courtroom of his conscience before God. Earthly courts examine our actions; God’s court examines our motives.
Many believers spend their lives defending themselves before people while neglecting to examine themselves before God. Yet Scripture commands, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5), and David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). The strongest faith is not the one that avoids scrutiny but the one that welcomes it.
A quiet conscience is not necessarily a clean conscience; only a conscience searched by God can truly be at peace. Before seeking God’s approval of your plans, seek His examination of your heart. Heaven is less impressed by religious performance than by inward integrity.
One day, every believer will stand before the righteous Judge. Wisdom, therefore, is to hold court on ourselves before God does. The believer who regularly examines his heart rarely needs God’s severe correction.
Reflection
If God convened the courtroom of your conscience today, would your heart be acquitted or convicted?
Prayer
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and reveal every hidden motive that dishonours You. Grant me the courage to examine myself honestly and the grace to live with a conscience void of offence before You and before men. In Jesus’ name, Amen.