However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Acts 24:14-16  

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:13

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A clear conscience is a wonderful path to peace. Over 15 years ago, my son made a serious mistake. I alone discovered that another child was also involved. I prayed for three days about reaching out to the parents of the other child. I truly wanted to be sure my motives were not tainted due to my son’s involvement.  As difficult as it was to hear my child did something wrong, I definitely preferred to know so I could take steps of intervention. But still, I wanted to be sure I wasn’t misguided in reaching out to these other parents so I prayed for three days.

Afterward, I knew my conscience was clear and my motives were to be helpful. The conversation and the resulting fallout were disastrous, but I walked away at peace because I knew between God and me, I did the work to be clean of heart in this situation.

I see Paul as a huge hero of the faith, yet he uses the word “strive” to describe his journey to a clear conscience in today’s Scripture. This introspective search for selfish motives is indeed an intricate and complicated work. And yet, Paul strives to have a clear conscience before God and man.

I find it fairly easy to appear to have altruistic motives on the outside. Internally, I know I seek a good reputation and an “atta girl” too. I want to be quick to say it is not a bad thing to be known as a person of good character, and we should be congratulated for a job well done. But those self-serving motives can muddy the water a bit. 

There is good news, though—the Holy Spirit is here to help. As we follow Paul’s example to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ,” it is one of the Spirit’s jobs to help us screen our motives, words and actions. Pray and ask Him to “guide you into truth.” The word “guide” is so gentle and encouraging. The Holy Spirit responds to your heartfelt desire to be clean by taking you by the hand and leading you forward towards a clear conscience. 

Next Steps

Do not be overwhelmed by Paul’s precedence. Look to the Holy Spirit for guidance, courage, and strength. This is the type of prayer that is definitely in God’s will—the mountain thrown into the sea kind of prayer. Freely ask, and a clear conscience will be given.