At our third Bright Lights meeting (Feb. 16), we covered the very important topic of “Gaining a Clear Conscience.” Not only is it an important lesson, it’s perhaps one of the most difficult to put into practice.
First of all we talked about what our conscience is. We described it as a God-given sense of knowing right from wrong—it is God’s law written on our hearts. Romans 2:14-15 says: “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.”
From our skit: Sisters Alice and Mary couldn't get along
We all make mistakes and sin against the Lord and others. Sins that we never make right, whether little or big, will effect us for the rest of our lives. When we do something wrong, we need to back and make it right. If we try to ignore our conscience, things will only get worse. God’s Word emphasizes having a clear conscience. Why is this? 1.) Because we have to stand before God (Acts 24:15-16); 2.) to avoid failure (1 Timothy 1:19); and 3.) to maintain a good reputation (1 Peter 3:15-16).
We learned that there are 3 types of consciences: A good conscience, which is one that is sensitive to evil and free from guilt; a guilty conscience, which is one that is bothered by guilt and unresolved sin; and a dead conscience–the very worst–which is one that is hardened against evil. We each need to desire to have a clear conscience.
There are many sad consequences of a guilty conscience and hiding sin in our lives. One of these is living in fear of being found out (Numbers 32:23b). Secondly, a guilty conscience hinders relationships with those we have wronged, and more tragically, it hinders our with the Lord (Psalm 66:18—“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”) Thirdly, when we are hiding sin in our lives, it is easy to continue in it because no one else knows and it able to help us with our struggles. A guilty conscience also effects one’s testimony and ministry.
From our skit: Alice battling her conscience
So how do we obtain a clear conscience? An important first step is to desire to have a clear conscience. Next, list offenses that you have committed against God and others, and then confess your sin to the Lord. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Now, purpose to ask forgiveness from those you have offended or wronged. Determine when you will ask forgiveness and do it—don’t put it off!!!
When you ask for forgiveness, show sincerity and humility (James 4:6—“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”) Explain that you were wrong and make no mention of the what they did. It is important to understand that we need to fix the problems in our lives, which are often big, before we try to fix the small problems in someone else’s life (Matt. 7:3-5).
From our skit: Be sure your sin will find you out!
There are many benefits of having a clear conscience that far outweigh the difficulty of going back and asking for forgiveness. Some of these many blessings are that you will be able to resolve conflicts, you will experience great freedom and joy (no more guilt!), you will have more strength to overcome future temptations, and you will have a good testimony to others.
My sister Abigail and I each shared about a time when we had to clear our conscience. Both of us agree that while confessing what we have done and asking for forgiveness is hard, the rewards of obeying the Lord in this matter are great and totally worth the difficulty. There is great joy and wonderful freedom that comes when we gain a clear conscience.
As an illustration of the struggle within of gaining a clear conscience, we presented a skit about Alice who after a fight with her sister Mary, buried her sister’s doll in the garden to get back at her. Alice’s conscience told her that she needed to confess what she had done and make things right, while the “Bad Conscience” convinced Alice that it was just too hard to confess, after all no one would ever know if she didn’t tell. Alice decided to cover up what she had done and lived in fear of being found out—which happened one day. Mary’s doll was filled with corn kernels, and one day Mom found some corn growing (in the shape of a doll!) in the garden. Alice learned the hard way that “He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
Playing "Bright Lights Pictionary" during our activity time
We were very grateful for the 17 girls that came out to the meeting. Our snacks were provided by Lily and Betty. Betty made some beautiful cupcakes to celebrate the birthday of one of the girls, which was a treat for us all. Happy birthday, Joy!
The beautiful cupcakes
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at our next meeting on March 1st!