Once we accept God's design we can then more readily submit to His authority. When these steps have been taken, we need to clean up some poorly done bookwork on our part. When we trust Christ for salvation our sin is forgiven by God and He comes to dwell in our hearts. However, like a new landlord, Jesus wants to set everything in order. He wants us to take responsibility for our words, thoughts, actions, attitudes, and motives. There are things in our past that offended other people. Accepting Christ does not absolve us from our responsibilities toward other people. There are consequences we must accept and properly handle from our past as well as our future. It is very important that we place this insight into the daily thought process of our children. Is God consistent? As we considered God's trustworthy sovereignty, we looked at the relation of consistency in keeping our word with the formation of trust. Today, many question God's consistency. It seems to them that God is good one day and then has a bad coffee day the next. But the Bible clearly declares that God is consistent and that we are the ones who change. This consistency in God is expressed in Psalm 121, Luke 18:1-8, and James 1:17 and others. Perhaps, if there is any inconsistency in God it is only in the expression of His mercy. While we deserve the full wrath and fury of His righteous judgment we may find forgiveness in its place. Matthew 18:21-35. Yet, that is only made possible because Someone Else paid that account. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28 that He "came to give His life as a ransom for many". Therefore, God is still consistent because His wrath has been satisfied. His mercy has shared the blessing of Christ's work on the cross. How does God fulfill the role of an accountant? The terms ransom, reconciliation, and justification are accounting and legal terms. Even the term Jesus used in John 19:30 to declare the completion of His work on the cross was an accounting term that stated the account paid in full. In Psalm 139:16 and Revelation 20:12 we are told that God has books which account for our lives. These apparently are used in judgment against us as well as for rewards. God keeps account of the sins against Him Psalm 51:4. He also keeps account of the sins against others. Matthew 25:41-46.
If God keeps track of such things and we are made in His image, it should be easy to believe that people keep track of the trespasses against them. Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35. Therefore, it is necessary for us to teach our children to take responsibility for their sins and take proper action to settle the accounts. How does this affect our children and our relationship with them? Responsibility is a quality that is fast disappearing from the American scene. Our children must learn to take responsibility for their words and actions so they can maintain clear channels of communication for all their relationships. The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the faith of those who did not maintain a clear conscience was shipwrecked. 1 Timothy 1:19. Without a clear conscience our children will not have the blessing of God's fellowship. 1 John 1:7-10. Without a clear conscience, the less gracious will become embittered and at odds with our children. Here are 6 specific reasons to keep a clear conscience.
1 Peter 3:15-16 It opens the door for a bold witness.
Exodus 2:11-15 It makes it possible to resolve conflicts.
Luke 22:40-41; 22:45-46; 22:55-62 It enables a person to be alert to make wise decisions.
2 Samuel 11:1-6 It strengthens a person to overcome temptation.
Matthew 5:23-24 It encourages the development of genuine friendships.
Proverbs 28:13 It will open door for mercy.
Matthew 18:1-10 A clear conscience in little children will help them avoid stumbling blocks in their lives.
