Conscience is something we all have, no matter our background, beliefs, or way of life. It is that inner voice that tells us what is right and what is wrong. When we make a good decision, our conscience brings peace, but when we do something wrong, it brings guilt. This inner guide is given to us by God to help us live rightly and make wise choices.
However, many people ignore their conscience, drown it out with distractions, or allow it to be influenced by wrong ideas. Some people assume that as long as their conscience does not bother them, they are doing the right thing. But the real question is: Is our conscience well-trained and guided by truth?
In a world where moral integrity is often compromised, the need for individuals with a strong, unwavering conscience is greater than ever.
As one writer put it:
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."
This statement captures the essence of what it means to have a conscience that is fully committed to truth and righteousness. A well-trained and faithful conscience is essential for a life of integrity, peace, and purpose.
In this message, we will explore how conscience works, the dangers of ignoring it, and how we can cultivate a pure and reliable conscience that leads us to a life of peace and righteousness.
1. Conscience: A Gift from God to Guide Us
Conscience is not just a personal feeling or opinion. It is a God-given ability to recognize right from wrong. Even people who do not know God still have a conscience because moral laws are written in the human heart.
Romans 2:15 - "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."
This means that deep inside, every person has an awareness of moral truth.
Our conscience helps us in many ways:
It warns us before we do something wrong.
It brings guilt when we make a bad choice.
It gives us peace when we do the right thing.
2. The Danger of Ignoring or Misusing Conscience
Although conscience is a powerful tool, it can be ignored, misled, or even silenced. Some people violate their conscience so many times that they no longer feel guilty even when they do wrong.
A violated conscience is weakened. The more we ignore it, the less sensitive it becomes. This can lead to moral blindness, where people justify their wrong actions.
A seared conscience is dangerous. The Bible warns about people whose conscience has become "seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2), meaning they no longer feel guilt or remorse.
One wrong step can change a life. A single decision to ignore conscience can start a downward path of compromise, leading to a completely different life than intended.
Many people today are drowning out their conscience through distractions such as entertainment, alcohol, drugs, or the pursuit of wealth. Satan also works hard to numb our conscience so that we do not hear the voice of truth.
Sadly, we see many people in positions of power, influence, or leadership who have compromised their conscience in exchange for personal gain. They have been "bought or sold," losing their ability to stand for truth. But as the quote reminds us, the world desperately needs people who "will stand for the right though the heavens fall."
A conscience that is strong, trained by truth, and unwavering in its commitment to righteousness is a powerful force in the world.
3. The Power of a Pure Conscience
A pure and healthy conscience is one of the greatest treasures in life.
It brings:
Peace of mind - A clean conscience allows us to sleep well at night and live without fear.
Moral strength - When we obey our conscience, we develop strong character and integrity.
Closeness to God - A good conscience helps us stay in harmony with God's will.
The good news is that even if we have made mistakes, our conscience can be cleansed and restored. Through self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to truth, we can renew our conscience and make it strong again.
Hebrews 10:22 - "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
4. How to Keep a Healthy Conscience
If we want to have a conscience that truly leads us to what is right, we need to take care of it.
Here are some practical steps:
Examine yourself regularly. Take time to reflect on your actions and ask, "Did I do what was right today?"
Listen to truth, not just feelings. Our conscience must be trained by truth, not just by what "feels right." We must be careful not to justify wrong actions because of personal desires.
Repent when necessary. If your conscience convicts you of wrongdoing, do not ignore it. Acknowledge your mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and make things right.
Avoid influences that corrupt your conscience. The people, media, and habits we surround ourselves with shape our conscience. Be careful what you allow into your mind and heart.
Seek God's guidance. A conscience that is led by God is the most reliable guide. Through prayer and reading the Scriptures, we can make sure our conscience aligns with true righteousness.
Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Our conscience is a precious gift from God, meant to guide us toward a life of truth, integrity, and peace. However, if we ignore or misuse it, we can become blind to moral truth and end up on a path of destruction.
It is important to keep our conscience pure and sensitive by training it with truth, repenting when we do wrong, and seeking wisdom from God. A well-kept conscience leads to a life of peace, strength, and fulfillment.
As we reflect on the quote, let us strive to be the kind of people the world desperately needs-those whose conscience is firm, unwavering, and committed to truth. Let us be "men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."
For those who may feel guilty or burdened by past mistakes, there is hope. No matter what you have done, your conscience can be cleansed, and you can start fresh.
Isaiah 1:18 - "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."
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