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 harden also.

Is that possible after in the past it has been enlightened?

Can we bribe our conscience or let it be compromised?

But if that is possible, freedom may be lost or frightened?

 

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

But if it is a genuine 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” witnesses what is right or wrong

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

It inspires what is God’s or not, and that seems a different song

 

What separates right from wrong is instilled in  my comprehension

Even if guided through gratefulness for what God’s love does for me

Did it not expose the Will of God and the fullness of His intention?

He fed me first the “milk” and then the meat to digest me being free.

 

Now to the voice of conscience, I should have to adhere too

If I deeply desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit

The appetite that leads to life to hunger for God’s Will

To be continually reminded, 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 purpose of our God

It is that makes our relationship secured on a solid foundation

That is Jesus Christ, the Savior; we find the stabilizing Rock

 

Christ faithfully, through our conscience, will testify to us

If we are indeed steadfast toward God and all our fellowman

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 lives 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 be humbly hand in Hand

 

When “my” conscience condemns me, I need to repent quickly

For it is God Who 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 dissects

 

Jan Wienen