This morning during my devotional time I read 2 Timothy 1:3, where Paul wrote, “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience….” Do you realize the power of that simple statement? At the moment I can’t make that statement. This morning I’m struggling with the proper balance between being a minister of the Gospel and a supportive brother. My brother’s marriage is about to end. I officiated at their wedding ceremony. (Unfortunately, several of the weddings I’ve officiated have ended in divorce. Some of the marriages I thought would be strong and lasting weren’t. Some I thought were risky are still going strong.) My emotions this morning trouble me. I lean more toward being vindictive than being conciliatory.

            Oh, it would be one thing if this morning was the only day that gives me pause about “serving with a clear conscience,” but it’s not. There have been so many times I should have acted and didn’t and times I should have been silent but screamed. After 37 years of ministry you’d think I’d have “it” figured out by now. I don’t.

            Yesterday Jerry preached on God’s patience. He took it more from the perspective of God’s patience with those who have not entered into a relationship with Him. This morning I found another application to this attribute of God. I’m grateful to God for being patient with me, one of His followers. My goal desire is that one day I will be able to write, like Paul, “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience….” My prayer today is, “Thank You, O God, for Your patience with me. Please forgive my impatience with others. Please don’t give up on me. Please continue working on me through Your Holy Spirit to conform me into the image of Your Son.”