A Clear Conscience Means No Regrets

A Clear Conscience Means No Regrets When this young Christian was invited to a rock concert, she said, “No thanks.” A short time later the same young man asked her to go out drinking. No again. He persisted, this time inviting her to his college fraternity party. Another refusal. Frustrated, he exclaimed: “You don’t do rock concerts! You don’t drink! You don’t party! Just how do you have fun?” Her response should be a lesson for us: “I have fun going to bed with a clear head and a clear conscience. I also have fun waking up each morning without a hangover and without feeling guilty for what I did the night before. I really have fun doing things I don’t have to be ashamed of if either my parents or those in my church see me doing them. But most of all, I have fun doing things that don’t displease God.” Frustrated, the young man said, “You’re weird!” and never bothered her again. Today, this girl is wed to a Christian who was attracted to her because of her convictions -- her real inner beauty. She continues to have fun living without the scars and regrets of a sinful past. She has fun being a loving helpmate and mother. And she especially enjoys being a model for young girls - in her family, church and neighborhood -- who are confronted daily with temptations to offend their consciences. When our peers tell us how much fun we will have doing things that will offend our consciences, our Christian friends, our family and our Lord -- such as getting drunk, doing drugs, partying, or going to worldly rock concerts -- we should follow this young woman’s example and tell them how much more fun we will have not doing them. A clear conscience not only blesses us, but also those around us. It will not only bless us now, but also in the future -- even into eternity. I’m sure that’s why Paul said: “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (Acts 24:16). Let’s do the same thing. By Larry Ondrejack