For Conscience Sake

1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

According to the Bible, a man’s conscience is worth protecting. So much so, that a man’s decisions in life should often be dictated by how his choices will affect his conscience as well as those who know of his decisions. Paul summed up this thought process when he said, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” Sometimes the emphasis placed upon a concern for one’s conscience moves an individual to submit himself to those who rule, perhaps even unworthily (Romans 13:5). Other times, it may cause a man to suffer wrongfully, enduring grief. Either way, a man who cares about the conscience will allow its well-being to change his life.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Read 1 Peter 2:19-23. David suffered at the hands of Saul and had the opportunity to twice kill Saul. Yet, both times, he yielded to the Lord’s will and prevented his men from sinning as they had opportunity to kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:4-7: 1 Samuel 26:5-9).

(For everyone):What decisions do you make based upon a desire to protect your conscience? What have you done to protect the conscience of others that you know?

(For everyone):What are some of the desired functions of the conscience? How do these functions make it extremely important for a believer to work hard to protect the conscience of others?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to give you wisdom concerning others’ consciences.

Ask God to show you if you have hurt someone’s conscience.

SONG

Footprints of Jesus

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