So, I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Acts 24:16 ESV
This past weekend, I attended the memorial service for a dear loved one who is now with the LORD. As I listened to the memories shared and loving words spoken during the service, I thought of my parents and others who preceded my sweet aunt and were there to welcome her when she arrived.
I was honored to be asked to share some of my memories of this special woman, who had been a key figure in my life since my earliest memories. She was my momma’s youngest sister, one of her very dearest friends, and someone who played an important role in my life and spiritual development both in word and in the testimony of her life.
My aunt’s memorial service, and other loved ones lost in the recent past have caused me to consider the legacy and memories that I will leave for all those whose lives have intersected with mine.
As I remember my loved ones whose legacies will continue to shape future generations, I’m reminded of those whose passings have not been so beautifully and lovingly remembered
I think of those who have left behind unresolved conflicts, broken relationships, and a legacy of painful memories. I consider those whose passing was welcomed with a sigh of relief because they would no longer be around to inflict further injury on those closest to them. How very sad.
I do not want to fall into the latter category of one who will not be missed, will not have made a godly difference in the lives of others, or will not have contributed to building the Kingdom of God.
How do I ensure that the legacy I leave honors God and, after I am gone, continues to be a witness to the goodness, grace, and mercy of God and the soul-redeeming salvation available only through His Son, Jesus Christ?
Indeed, that was the heartfelt desire of the Apostle Paul. It was Paul’s overriding goal that the testimony of his life and death would glorify God and continue to tell of the transforming power of a life redeemed by and committed to Jesus.
Certainly, Paul was not perfect. He struggled as we all do with sins of the flesh, but he claimed the power of the Holy Spirit to withstand the temptations and desires of the flesh. And when he failed, as we all will do, he immediately appealed to God for forgiveness and strength to stand faithful. He kept a clear conscience before God and a right relationship with others.
That same forgiveness, strength to stand, and cleansed conscience is available to us all.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV
Jesus Christ Himself is our advocate before the Father when we sin and don’t align our hearts and minds with His Spirit. When we ask that God forgive and restore us, Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf.
Paul says his conscience is clear, not because he never sinned after he became a believer, but because as soon as he did, he admitted his wrong and asked for forgiveness and a restored relationship with God. Paul kept short accounts with God and with others. He did not allow things to build up in his life which could drag him down, damage his relationship with God, and destroy the witness of his life to others.
“Paul said, ‘…I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.'” Acts 23:1 ESV
When the offense touched others, Paul made that right as well. He did not allow injuries or hurts to linger. He addressed issues with a humble heart, a repentant spirit, and a genuine concern for the impact his behavior and words might have on another person.
Paul could honestly say that he had a clear conscience with God and the people in his life.
Is that something you can say?
Certainly, in my own life there have been times when I could not say that—things were not right with God nor were they right with other people. And eventually, all had to be dealt with—my relationship with God and with others, believers and non-believers.
Approaching life in a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led manner allows us to keep a clear conscience with God and with others. And when we reach the end of our earthly journey, we will not leave unfinished business—unresolved issues with others that dishonor God and damage the testimony of our life. Regrets will not haunt us in our final moments.
May the testimony of our lives glorify the Father and honor our Savior. And may we each leave a legacy of godliness that will outlive us and continue to witness to those we hold dear, and to all who knew us long after we step into eternity and into the arms of our Heavenly Father.
And may the Buffington family and their extended family, dear friends, loved ones, and all who were touched by the life of Shirley Buffington, find great joy in this time of sorrow, knowing she lived well and never regretted her relationship with her Savior. My aunt leaves a legacy of faithfulness that will continue to touch the lives of many, including mine.
“For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV