Defining Faith and Fine Tuning The Conscience

If you never read any other post read this one!!!

"Just acting like a normal Christian is an extremely radical thing to do"
- Harry R. Jackson, Jr.

I have been reading another new book of late. I know it must seem like every book I read is dynamite in my view... but I give this one my highest recommendation. The Book is called
"The Warrior's Heart: Rules of Engagement For The Spiritual War Zone"
by Harry R. Jackson Jr.

So far this is the finest book on the topic implied in the title that I have read. It has some very practical and pragmatic advice about faith, conscience and the power or lack thereof in religion and/or a believers perception of such.

Here I will paraphrase what I deem to be the most important paragraph I personally have ever read concerning the concept of faith:

One of the problems with the concept of faith, as it is conceived of by many, is there is no clear distinction between attitude management techniques and what is purely Biblical faith or supernatural thinking if you will. Managing our attitudes is in fact very important- even essential to be an effective Christian, spiritual warrior or even just a good person. "Be positive" motivational techniques , however, are not in themselves keys to releasing the supernatural power of God. The supernatural peace of God which comes from his tangible presence is able to do FAR more than a peace that comes from attitude management.

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 3, a prayer:

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Jackson goes on to write about the ways we can detect God's unction in our lives. Here he cites what is called "twofold assurance":

1. Our hearts assure us (conscience)

2. The Holy Spirit within us

James Madison once stated;

" Conscience is the most sacred of all property"

Jackson explains;

The word conscience is not found in the Old Testament. The closest reference is found in Proverbs 20:27

"27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man ; it searches out his inmost being."

Conversely, in the New Testament there are 30 references to conscience. The Greek word for conscience is suneidesis which is defined as an abiding consciousness whose nature it is to bear inner witness to one's own conduct in a moral sense. It is self awareness.

Speaking for myself I can state unequivocally that when I have not listened to that small still voice that has said to me "don't do this" or "you ought to do that" trouble has ensued more times than not... sometimes BIG trouble. Judging by this acknowledgement alone I think it is safe to say that being out of touch with one's conscience can carry a heavy cost... perhaps even a lethal cost.

Jackson explains that you do not have to be a Christian or even a believer to have a conscience. It is something that is installed in every person because every person, whether they believe or acknowledge it or not, is made in the image of God. Conscience is the RULE of God imparted to every man and woman. In fact, those who have never heard the Gospel of Christ will in the end be judged by how they have responded to their own consciences.

On this Romans 2:14-16 says (Amplified Bible):

14 When Gentiles who have not the [divine] Law do instinctively what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, since they do not have the Law.

15 They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them]

16 On that day when, as my Gospel proclaims, God by Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things which they conceal (their hidden thoughts).

Often people think of conscience as an afterthought, a twinge of guilt or remorse after the fact. However, conscience is a moral compass that is designed primarily for PREVENTION. As stated, in this sense, being out of touch with conscience and/or God can be disastrous for people, people groups or entire societies or civilizations.

The goal then is to harmonize, inasmuch as we are able, our consciences according to what God ordains as right and/or wrong. Jackson goes on to explain three ways in which this is accomplished:

1. reproof and correction- we have to learn to receive correction from trusted, spiritual, strategic relationships.

2. sincere repentance- we must embrace a re calibrated, redefined consciousness and lifestyle of repentance.

3. Faith and comprehension- in the saving power of Christ and the raw power and genius of modeling our lives on his example. This includes understanding the aforementioned distinction between attitude management and or psychological crutches and the supernatural peace and tangible presence of God in one's life and/or mind.

Jackson then goes into six ways for a spiritual warrior to find or tap into supernatural inner strength and wisdom by FINE TUNING THE CONSCIENCE:

1. Fight your way out of a siege- don't lose heart.

2. Find the joy of camaraderie- cultivate strategic relationships.

3. Maintain ranks in the face of battle- in the midst of trials and triumphs alike, continue to keep the commandments of God.

4. Remember the BIG picture- focus on the glory of God even during hardships and always remember that the real enemy is not flesh but the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm.

5. Use the power of consistent focus- always remember the goal... to maintain righteousness and make it to the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

6. Stay connected to the source of joy- maintain an intense prayer life and communion with God... without this the vision and all the rest begins to fade.

The rest of "The Warrior's Heart: Rules of Engagement For The Spiritual War Zone"
only gets deeper and better from there.

I personally count this as extremely valuable insight and information. I hope you do too.

Lastly mark this:

2 Timothy 3

Godlessness in the Last Days

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.