Above Reproach

Acts 24:10–16

“When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and people.”

This is something I desire for myself and my family, and I think we all do, that is to live above reproach—that when I am scorned for my belief in God, or spurned for the ideas I express, falsely accused or whatever, and the world will level these upon us, make no mistake, however, when those happen, I will have enough equanimity and trust in God that He has kept me pure and that He will vindicate. “Through this passage, we see a godly example of how to conduct ourselves when we are unfairly accused of wrongdoing”, noted the Living Life writer, further, “may we also conduct ourselves in a way that is above reproach, that our conscience may be clear before God and man.” Friends, no one can argue against a life well-lived, and one that seeks God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, and that is also why and all good else will be given unto her (Matt 6:33). Let us internalise the fruit of the Spirit, God please empower us and grant us grace to exude “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, forbearance”, for against such things there is no Law (Gal 5:22-23).” We may not be perfect and we do not have to be, but someone in us is, Christ is perfect and we can strive to always to keep our conscience clear before God and people (v. 16), and strive to be Christlike. Let us pray with Living Life: LORD, please help me to keep my conscience clear before You and people. Search my heart and reveal anything I need to remove from my life. Please protect me from the attacks of those who are against me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.