Acts 24:16
In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
Beloved, the first lesson we learn from the Apostle Paul here is that having a good conscience before God and people is not automatic! It takes diligence and practice. It takes hard work. That’s why Paul here asserts that he does his best always. Note that he does not do his least. Nor does he leave it to chance. Neither should we, beloved!
Rather we should take responsibility over what influences shape our inner world. We should strictly screen whose counsel we walk in, whose way we stand in and whose seat we occupy (Psalm 1:1). We must choose to only meditate on the Word of God, day and night (Psalm 1:2).
Everyday, find some biblical text to prayerfully ponder over. Daily reflect upon some scriptural truth. Take time to contemplate on biblical principles. Focus on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy” (Phi 4:8).
Furthermore, we must hide the Word of God in our hearts so that we don’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). To hide the Word in your heart is to memorise it, beloved! Take time to commit certain biblical verses to memory. Never abandon the habit of reciting and recalling the Word of God by heart. It’s not just for Sunday School kids. It’s for adults too–actually even more so!
Beloved, let us not neglect the powerful twin spiritual disciplines of Meditating upon and Memorising the Word of God. The benefits are too good to be missed!
Pastor Josh