“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men” (Acts 24:16).
How is it possible to maintain a spirit of worship throughout your day? Not just in the “religious spaces,” but in every space on your calendar?
As Paul defends himself from the charges against him, he almost in passing makes mention of a guiding principle that speaks to every area of his life. “I do my best,” he says, “to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.”
Wow. That’s about as clear an ovation as it gets. And the key word is “always.”
Always blameless before God. What does this require? Listening to the Holy Spirit. Prioritizing the Lord Jesus as our first love. Practicing instant confession of sin, as soon as we are convicted by the Holy Spirit. Enacting, by His power, real change (repentance) of those areas where we are convicted.
Always blameless before men. Endeavoring, as Paul said elsewhere, to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). Living with integrity, so that at no time can anybody point out a gap between what we profess and what we actually live. Satisfying the world’s standards of integrity and honesty, living free of closet sins and damning secrets.
The verse begins with the phrase, “in view of this.” In view of what? Verse 15 says that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Translated, we have an appointment with God and an eternal destiny. And our conscience is an internal compass that guides us in remaining sensitive and accountable now, before the fact. It is an act of worship to maintain it.
My ovation today is to offer up to God a blameless conscience. To the degree that my conscience accuses me, I will ask Him to cleanse it by His grace. To the degree that my conscience guides me, I will respect and follow its guidance. To whatever degree my conscience becomes desensitized, I will ask the Lord to create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. This is my worship – my expression of love to Him this day.