Confidence and a Clear Conscience!

"We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you." (2 Corinthians 1:12 NLT)

When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth, he was reminding believers that he and the other disciples had lived life--with holiness as the foundation for living--and they could say it with confidence and a clear conscience--having no need to be ashamed of the life they had lived. Can we say the same?

If we were writing a letter to encourage someone to live a holy life--according to God's Word--could we say what needed to be said with confidence and a clear conscience? Considering the fact that the apostles who had a relationship with Christ before He ascended and even after--especially those who were in "the upper room" when the fire fell from heaven, were walking spirit-filled lives--do we even have a chance to measure up to their standards?

While we may not be able to proclaim doing all that they did, we should have our testimony--how we arrived at a place where we believed and were saved. When we share our testimonies--sincerely and without fanfare--we can have confidence of what we say and with a clear conscience--knowing we are not trying to scam anyone into believing Christ Jesus--we can effect life changes for many.

If we share--how we were once lost and guilty of indulging in any and everything we thought we wanted--and with our experience, understood what it meant to be in need of a Savior--came into the light, confessing all we had done and repenting of it--people can relate and have hope for themselves or their loved ones. "The blood of the lamb and our testimony" offers hope of salvation to all who are willing to hear and receive.

Imagine--for a moment--what life would be like for you and others if--after knowing the Truth, you continued along the path you were taking. How much different would life be right now? If someone had not shared the Gospel with you, where would you be? If you had not recognized the need to change--how many lives would have been affected--negatively? Would you have a clear conscience now or would you be riding guilt (some go through life so burdened with guilt that they carry it with them wherever they go) through life?

We can have a clear conscience and say with confidence that we are living life with holiness as a foundation--when we look to Him who is able to accomplish all things through us.