Scripture Read: Acts 24:14-16 “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
Application: The Word makes it clear in so many places that our relationship to God and men is connected. We cannot live only toward one. Paul sets a goal here that we all should consider and take steps to see produces. Consider …
Blameless - ἀπρόσκοπος apróskopos - from the priv. a, not, and proskóptō (, to strike at, to trip. Not taking or giving offense; not stumbling or falling. [1]
Not to trip – this is a good visual of what is expressed. We must keep our conscience from tripping. This applies to our relationship with both God and man. Perhaps the Lord emphasizes this because it is more difficult to see our trip before God because He is invisible. It is much more apparent when we must keep our conscience from tripping against men. Everything is seen and felt. This is an important goal – If we can keep a clear conscience before men, which will require us to yield for God’s sake on things even when we are right, then we will be well on our way to keeping our conscience clear before the Lord. God has made us connected to Him and men, which in the end makes it easier for us to gage our walk with Him. If we are loving men, we love God.
* Meditation Questions: Do you see loving God different than loving men? Jesus compared the two is Mark 12:28–34, what did He say? Does blameless mean perfect? What areas of your life right now are not blameless?
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