Wesley Challenge_Day 3

Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

TUESDAY – 01.05.21 • Read Philippians 4:8-9
The feelings we get when we insist on doing something we shouldn’t—gossiping, lusting, lying, stealing, cheating, etc.—usually signal the goodness in us battling the human desire to usurp God’s authority and be in charge of our own life. (Of course, our upbringing and social norms can shape our conscience. For example, a child raised in an organized crime family might have an uneasy conscience if he told the police about an illegal act he had seen. That’s why Bible reading and prayer are so important.) A rightly trained uneasy conscience is a good thing. It reminds us that we are called to live into the goodness in which God created us.
⇒ Do you have areas of your life that are causing you an uneasy conscience? What are these weaknesses? Dig deeply—what is driving these temptations in your life? What steps can you take to combat the temptations you are facing?
⇒ Every time you find yourself leaning into a temptation, ask yourself these questions: “What are the consequences of giving into this weakness? Who may be hurt by this? Will the satisfaction of this moment be worth the consequences I may face?” Force yourself to answer the questions before you act.

Prayer: God, you alone know the true condition of my heart. I may be able to trick others with my words and actions, but you know the truth and are not fooled. Lead me to do and say only what is pleasing in your sight. Amen.