Consciences Can’t Be Trusted

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Theme: Only God can judge our true hidden motives. Key verses: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (v. 2) “…indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (v. 3b-4) “…He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” (v. 5b) What God said to me: Dwayne, be very very careful not to get lulled into thinking you are OK, and that I am OK with your inconsistencies, your wondering eyes and thoughts, your little breaches of integrity. Don’t assume that just because you can wake up the next morning and move on with your day  and life that your behavior from the day before is forgotten and of no consequence. Remember, your heart cannot be trusted. It is deceitfully wicked. It is so deceitful, in fact, that it can even deceive you into thinking it is pure and its motives are good. When was the last time you excused your actions by saying to yourself, “Well, I mean well. I have a good heart. God knows my heart is to serve Him.” Oh, do I? Dare you presume to know what I know and see what I see? Dare you think for a moment that you can decide what is OK and acceptable about yourself before me? I am your creator and your judge. I will decide what will pass the test of fire, and one day when you will stand before me, I will expose for all to see what your true motives were. Be sure you humble yourself and obey everything I say. Be quick to confess and forsake every sin. Then and only then should you rest well at night, knowing you are forgiven and fully following me. Only then will you receive my praise. What I said to God: Oh, I knew this one was going to be ugly. Thank You, heavenly Judge, for caring enough for your child to give me a heads up about my motives. Please forgive my presumptions that I can be my own judge. I cannot. I must not be so arrangant and foolish. I surrender my all to You now — that means turning from my wicked ways and allowing You to clean out any closets in my heart that I have not been willing to give over to You. Oh Lord, I want to love You with my life, and I want to prove that I am faithful to the awesome trust You have given me.