I am not sure why I seem to be coming across poems and writings lately (my last post has this one and before that the 10 steps of being a virtuous woman) having to do with Christian living, but I know we are all to check ourselves on how we are living out our individual walk, in order to be a good witness for the cause of Christ. I take that seriously and so will share another poem that was in my devotional reading last night....
"I have to live with myself and so,
I want to be fit for myself to know;
I want to be able as days go by,
always to look myself in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting sun,
and hate myself for the things I've done.
I want to go out with my head erect;
I want to deserve all men's respect.
Here in the struggle for fame and wealth,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know,
that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.
I can never hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see;
I know what others may never know;
I can never fool myself and so,
whatever happens I want to be,
self-respecting and conscience free."
We need to have a conscience for our actions and a clear conscience before God should be our goal.
Paul writes "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" Acts 24:16 (NIV)
Paul writes "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" Acts 24:16 (NIV)
And to Timothy he said ".....so that by following them you might fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." 1Timothy 1:18-19 (NIV)
Blessings,
AnnMarie :)
Blessings,
AnnMarie :)
So true! I have always said, "I must be honest with myself!" and encouraged others, especially my family, to do the same!
ReplyDeleteYes - serious thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI am living right with the Lord now and know that He has forgiven my past transgressions. Can I forgive myself?
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Sue
Very good, AnnMarie.
ReplyDeleteSue, God's forgiven you and sees you as righteous, so you can:)
So good to remind ourselves daily that we are right there before God always.
ReplyDeleteA very thought provoking poem. And I love the scriptures you used to apply it. It's great to know that the work of the Cross is complete - I can't improve on that. The person I am should show a life of gratitude and obedience (clear conscience) to the One Who so completely saved me.
ReplyDeleteGreat message
ReplyDeleteThis must be the week for sharing how precious our daily devotions are, how valuable they are to us, how they guard and shepherd us and help us keep our focus on the Lord.
ReplyDeleteVery well-put and a most pertinent reminder. Thank you for sharing this important message!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very beautiful poem!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great word! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us, so true. Blessings Niki x
ReplyDelete