Before the Tribunal
I have not done any wrong to the Jews.
Acts 25:10 (NIV)
Paul faces Festus clean-conscienced: I stand before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried — I have wronged no Jews, as you know. Two years unjustly jailed, neither begging nor attacking: declaring. Clean consciences before unjust courts are disguised pulpits. Owing nothing fears nothing — not even Caesar.
Overcoming accusations grows from auditable lives. Paul could say “as you know” because public, clean conduct backed him. Our defenses fail when consciences carry arrears: glass-roofed defendants throw stones fearfully. Keeping accounts clean — taxes, relationships, promises — builds courts we always win: conscience's and God's.
Clearing one arrear today: paying, apologizing, keeping, returning. Before tribunals: clean consciences need no expensive lawyers.
Resolved arrears turn powerful testimonies. Resolving today, resting. Resolve everything fully starting today. Clean consciences need no expensive lawyers ever. Keep accounts current with everyone daily. Paid debts become testimonies; kept promises become sermons. Sleep peacefully owing nothing. Present facts, keep calm, trust fully. Paul's formula still acquits today. Auditable lives win every tribunal eventually. Live transparently starting now and always. Owe nothing to anyone. Rest easy nightly.
And if unjustly accused, remembering Paul: presenting facts, staying calm, trusting.