Honesty...

"I always do my best to have a clear conscience towards God and men."

Acts 24:16

As I am praying about what study I will dive into next, I feel it necessary to share my heart on the point of honesty and clear conscience.  I could cite many, many verses from a multitude of places about how words are harmful and about how we should not swear, but just let our yes mean yes, and about how we should treat (and speak to) others as we wish to be treated (spoken to).  But the best verse I can think of is above, and here's why...

If you allow your tongue to be reckless and pierce like a sword, then you will probably regret it at some point in your life.  If you swear to and by things and do not keep your word, then you will probably feel somewhat guilty about it at some point in your life.  If you treat other people horribly, yet hold yourself up as venerated and deserving of royal accolade, then eventually you will realize that you are wrong.  And when all this comes crashing down, you will have quite the unclear conscience.  You will not be ready to face the coming trials, because you will be consumed with those of the past.

Today, in short form, I would encourage you to clear your conscience of past misdeeds, recognizing that you are saved, fellow Christian!  All that is past, and nothing more remains of it in the eyes of the Father, so why would you dwell upon it?  And as for today and moving forward, simply be honest.  Say it... whatever it is.  And if it gets you in trouble, so be it, but at least you told the truth.  Your conscience will be clear before God and men, you will be known to be wisely honest and faithful to your faith, family and calling, and you will honor the Lord in doing so!

God bless you all!!!