Resolving your past sets you up for a clear conscience. Nothing causes you to fear the “what ifs” ( “What if _______ hears about this? What if _______ becomes public knowledge?” ) when your past has been taken care of and resolved. You can look anyone in the eyes with confidence and live without shame or guilt. In this post and the next one, I want to discuss a clear conscience. If you would like to contribute to the discussion please email me at luke@lukekuepfer.com. I’d love to hear from you!

A clear conscience sets us up for success in a number of ways. Conversely, a bad conscience has a very good memory, playing the role of tormentor in your life.

First, a clear conscience produces a close relationship with God. Hebrews 10:22 states: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Second, a clear conscience gives us freedom from guilt. Note Job’s words: “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” (27:6)

Third, a clear conscience positions us to have power over temptation. There’s this great story in the Old Testament about a pagan king who attempted an adulterous affair with another man’s wife but was prevented by God due to his clear conscience. “Then God said to him in the dream, ‘Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her.’” (Genesis 20:6)

[Pretty cool, isn’t it! Doing the incredibly hard work of resolving our past pays huge dividends! Next week I’ll examine two more benefits that a clear conscience entails.]