“Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

   - Acts 23.1

Relate these words on my behalf to the son of Saran; the task he has undertaken is not light. Let his conscience be clear and far-seeing, let it be humble and without pride.

   - The Rule of Ailbe, Irish, perhaps 8th century

The soul – the spiritual center of a person – is made up of three interconnected, overlapping aspects. 

The mind handles the information flow; the heart is the seat of the affections; and the conscience is the third partner in an ongoing dialog that determines which actions we will take.

Paul says that the conscience “bears witness” within our souls, in some cases accusing and in others excusing us of the things we think, feel, and do (Rom. 2.15). Concerning the conscience, he says (Acts 24.16) we should always strive to make sure it is “good” in relation both to God and man – nothing to accuse us of concerning either.

The conscience is that region of the soul where our priorities are determined, nurtured, and stored. It is the keeper of values, the priorities manager for the soul. Whenever a matter comes before the soul, engaging our minds and hearts, the conscience arbitrates between what we’re thinking and how we’re feeling, searching out our best thoughts and most pure affections according to what’s consistent with God’s will, and then channeling these into practices in the life of faith.

Taking care of the conscience, therefore, would seem to be a matter of utmost importance. God jump-starts our work in this area by writing the works of the Law on our hearts where our conscience can “read” it (Rom. 2.15). If God thought that the best trainer of the conscience is His Law, who are we to look anywhere else?

Every day the priorities, values, and default convictions that guide our thoughts and affections are being developed and engaged within our souls through the conscience. We need to make sure that we are continuing to nurture this priorities manager of our souls according to the manual and “factor standards” of the Lord.

Perhaps this will be the week that you begin to make reading and meditating in the Law of God a part of your own regimen of spiritual disciplines. Apart from that, how will you ensure that clarity, humility, and uprightness will mark the values and priorities that guide your life?

Psalm 33.4, 5 (Truro: “Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns”)
Joyfully shout! His Word is true; He does His work in faithfulness.
His love prevails the whole world through; the Lord loves truth and righteousness.

Lord, in these last days, when all the noble rules of truth have changed, help me to satisfy you by scorning this present world and clinging to Your Truth. Adapted from Colum Cille, Altus Prosator.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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Why is there so much evil in the world? Who isn't asking that question these days? T. M. provides helpful insights to this important question in his book, Satan Bound: A Theology of Evil. Here is a daring and dramatic look at this important question. And if you want to begin making meditation in God's Law a regular part of your daily disciplines, order a copy of The Law of God, where all God's commandments and statutes are grouped together. You can also register now for the course, SpT1 Spiritual Maturity: Revival, in which you'll learn how to make more meaningful and consistent progress in your walk with the Lord.