We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. (2 Corinthians 1:12 NLT)

A clear conscience is a wondrous thing. It means you are not ashamed or feeling shame for what you have done. It means that sinking feeling inside has dissolved and you find it has been replaced—perhaps—with downright buoyancy. It means when you put your head on the pillow to sleep that your mind is actually free to rest. Oh for a clean conscience!

St. Paul had sent a letter to the Christian church in Corinth in which he had called them out on a number of sinful behaviors and practices. These folks had been living in ways unbecoming of those who had professed the name of Christ. So Paul gave it to them straight. And it appears that they had taken his words to heart and sought repentance and positive change. Yet some who claimed apostolic authority were questioning Paul’s words and motives. So he takes some of 2 Corinthians to defend his life and ministry. His conscience was clear on how he had treated and lived before the Corinthians.

I wonder if the nagging of my conscience may come from a failure to live as Paul describes in the second sentence in the verse above. He said he (and his companions) had depended on God’s grace. He says they had not depended on human wisdom. How often do I start the day on my flesh-driven autopilot? Like the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Toons lore, I zip through tree after tree even before I leave my house only to start back upon my return, not to mention the day at work in between. No wonder that deep feeling like a disconnected emotional nerve whipping against the pavement won’t relent. No wonder my focus is so scattered. I forget about God’s grace. I ignore God’s Spirit. What to do? Let’s be thankful for Isaiah. He was a prophet with a clear conscience. He is always ready with a word for us: This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” (Isa. 30:15). What about you?