Good Conscience

     Have you ever done a job, project, or deed and not felt good about it?  (Even if it was not necessarily bad.)  For me, it leaves a sick feeling in my stomach, a sense of unrest.  I hate that feeling.  It is better to do things differently than to feel wrong about what you did.
     Paul faced spiritual leaders that he once worked with, to tell them that he had a good conscience over all he had done.  He was not worried about the consequences.  He knew he could face God with confidence.  This sometimes requires calling out hidden sin.  No one likes their secrets brought to light, so to have a good conscience you sometimes have to face fear and negativity.  Just imagine how the people who survived on their reputation felt.  Paul told them they were all about looking perfect, but on the inside they were dead.  Of course this did not go over well.
     Paul was being tried to keep his good conscience.  Paul's argument turned the tables.  The Pharisees and the Sudducees began to violently argue.  The Commander had been watching and listening to everything.  He began to fear for Paul's life, so he took Paul to the barracks.  That night God stood near Paul and told him that he needed to give his testimony in Rome.  What comfort, Paul got to hear from God and received a promise to live a while longer.

Acts 23: 1-11