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I have hope in God, just as these men do, that he will raise both the righteous and the ungodly. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else. —Acts 24:15-16
In Acts 24 Paul could not be swayed to offer a bribe to Governor Felix (v. 26). He kept his conscience clear before both God and man. Consequently, he was able to reason with Felix concerning “righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come” (v. 25). Our primary witness to the lost comes from who we are, not just what we say. Felix believed that any man could be bought for a price and that Paul’s words would eventually yield to his lusts. He found in Paul, however, a man genuinely concerned about the governor’s soul—a man who was totally unmoved by materialism. Paul had discovered that “the Lord has set apart the godly for himself” (Psalm 4:3). Because of Paul’s integrity, nothing could penetrate his shield of protection. Be careful of your witness, as well as your words, in front of those you seek to influence. Satan will try to negate your witness by your works. One false move and all that you say will be meaningless. If you are going to preach about the judgment to come, live as though you are ready for the judgment. Then your witness will be powerful.
Suggested Reading:
1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
Acts 24:1-27
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 18:16-18