Topic: For the sake of your conscience
Bible Reading: Psalm 146-150; Romans 13.
Memory Verse: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” Romans 13:5 (KJV)
Some people hold dual citizenship, which means they are citizens of two countries. However they must choose a country of permanent residence, where they reside permanently. For Tax purposes, the requirement is that the person must choose one of the countries where he will be resident for more than six months. That is his place of permanent residence and it is where he pays his tax to the authority.
In the same fasion, every Christian is first and foremost a citizen of heaven and then a citizen of the country where he is physically resident. For spiritual purpose, the country of permanent residence of every believer is heaven and your primary concern at all time should be what is the expectation of heaven concerning every matter you get involved in. So while it’s important that you ensure you do not behave against the laws of the land where you are physically resident, it is more important that the law of God governing your conscience should guard your behavior first. And that law is primarily love. If you adhere to it, you are not likely going to fall into sin in your physical country of residence. That’s why the bible says in 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV), “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
This is why Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 13:5( KJV), “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” So while you should be concerned about punishment or consequence of your behavior while on earth, you must be far more conscious of whether you will be wounding your conscience, in order words going against what is morally right based on law of life and Spirit already written in your heart. Thus your concern is not whether you will be caught if you evade a tax but whether it is in line with the will of God you serve. This is a higher calling which is expected of every believer.
As a child of God, your concern, therefore, is not whether the law of the land will catch you if you commit an offence but whether your conscience will not be wounded by such an act. That’s why we are enjoined to obey the law of the land. Thus Romans 13:6-8 (KJV) says, “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. [8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Action point: Are you doing anything against your conscience, please repent now and guard against anything that will wound your conscience going forward.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero