My son who is nine years old, mentioned that he doesn’t know why he is so silly at home, while at school he doesn’t act nearly so wild!  Though his teachers seem to confirm this, I thought about how in some way that is a sign of freedom at home, and a sign of conscious restraint outside of the home.  I think most kids who grow up being taught and disciplined at home, have this same mentality when they leave their homes…

I believe this is also the same pattern we as believers and children of God should live to follow as well.  That there should be an unrestrained freedom of expression before God, because we know the love and acceptance we have in Christ.  Yet that same person may restrain that expression amongst people who may interpret it the wrong way, leaving room for misrepresentation, or a perceived dishonor towards God and others…

I think this is the blessed freedom of living with your conscience clear before “God and man”.  That you are not “fake” because you don’t express everything you feel to everyone.  But you live understanding that your life is a witness, and depending on the environment, and the people you are with, some things are acceptable while some may not be.  But your conscience “before God and man” become the guide.  That you are considerate, representing not just your name, but God’s name for the sake of being a witness to others.

Like the hope of parent(s) who tirelessly teach and discipline their children, that they would live consciously towards God, and the family name outside of the home.  The apostle Paul echoes God’s hope for His children to desire in honoring Him.  That we would strive, though “it takes pains” or our best effort, to have a conscience that does not live for our own name and glory.

In His Love, Ld