1 John 3:19-21

New English Translation

19 And by this we will know that we are of the truth and will convince our conscience in his presence, 20 that if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience and knows all things. 21 Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God, 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing to him.

 

Separation within me

 

A conscience can be defiled and can be hardened also

Is that really possible after it has been enlightened?

Can we bribe our conscience or let it be compromised?

But if that is possible is not freedom lost and frightened?

 

If conscience is separate from me, how could it affect me?

But if it is a true part of me, how could it not be defiled?

It has to reside outside the flesh to be able to observe it

And still, if it is part of the Spirit how could I make it so vile?

 

Is it may be possible that it goes through progressive sanctification?

But then a “pure conscience” simply witnesses to what is right or wrong

But as I was spiritually growing in the understanding of my Savior

It inspired what was God’s or not and that seems a different song

 

What is right and what is wrong and that in my early comprehension

Even if guided by gratefulness of what God’s love did for me

Did not it expose the Will of God in the fullness of intention?

He just fed me the “milk” to grow so I could digest being free

 

Now the voice of conscience I really have to adhere too

If I simply desire to be filled with the Spirit

To hunger to lead a life after God’s own Will

I need to be continually sanctified and that’s not all of it

 

To be faithful to one’s conscience is the first step to sanctification

Conscience then undergirds and supports the “wishes” of our God

It is that makes our personal relationship secured on the foundation

The Solid Rock that is Jesus Christ, the Savior, and Everlasting God

 

Christ faithfully through our conscience will testify to us

If we are true toward God and toward all our fellowmen

Whether our thoughts, deeds, and words follow God’s purpose

Or show us our rebellion when we’re straying now and then

 

Romans 9:1                New English Translation

9 I am telling the truth in Christ (I am not lying!), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit—

 

As we mature in Christ and more of Him live through us

The Holy Spirit and the conscience march in closer ranks

My conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit

and the walk with my Lord will humbly hand in Hand

 

When “my” conscience condemns me I need repentance right then

For it is God Who right then will move on the conscience to direct

“My” conscience speaks God’s Will and never argues or reasons

It does not need explanations for it is God Who simply dissects

 

Jan Wienen