A Clear Conscience: Essential for Self-Respect - Part 2

Samuel, the last judge to rule the people of Israel, was a man of constant faith and unrelenting readiness to take appropriate action whatever the circumstance. As a man of integrity, he had respect for his people, an essential virtue for effective leadership. He saw his nation through a transitional phase of leadership styles.

Samuel was incorruptible and served God as a man of unbendable faith. The foundation for his faith and actions was an unquestionable belief that he was chosen by God to be a judge and priest as well as a role model for future leaders. Samuel unhesitatingly carried out what God directed him to do, regardless of how drastic it seemed to others.

A clear conscience is essential for self-respect and good judgement, yet everyone is vulnerable to violating their conscience. However, sincere acknowledgment of sins, confession of those sins to Christ Jesus, and seeking forgiveness will cleanse the conscience. Making amends is crucial, for it honors God and builds self-respect.  

False Assumptions vs. Reality - Part 2

The ability to deal constructively with reality is based fundamentally on faith and trust in God to sustain you, no matter how terrible or twisted reality appears to be. A woman revealed with frustration how everyone she met seemed to have an ulterior motive or hidden agenda behind their friendliness.

This seemed to be true for the young man in Jesus' parable of the lost son. With his inheritance depleted, his friends were nowhere to be found. Even the farmer who hired him to feed hogs had little respect for him. Yet it was in this setting that he shifted his thinking, which allowed him to confront reality, including facing his family and making amends.

False assumptions got him into trouble, but the willingness to shift his thinking alerted him to choices for changing his life. This young man had faith in his father's love for him that allowed the father to forgive his foolish choices and behavior. The father had faith in his son's ability to eventually deal constructively with reality, which is God's plan for each of us.