Allow Your Conscience to Accuse or Excuse - Part 3

The Apostle Paul consistently encourages us to assess what we’re striving to acquire, and at what price? C. S. Lewis noted, “We’re all given to seeking after material possessions and even conversion does not at once work the infection out of our system.” What gave the Apostle Paul the will to press on toward the mark of his high calling in Jesus Christ?

The Apostle Paul’s usage of the words “press on” implies being consistently vigilant to accomplish God’s purpose with no consideration of giving up. The conscience, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, helps us choose what is good, righteous and godly and then stay focused.

Ignoring the conscience disrupts fellowship with oneself, significant others, and God the Father. The voice of conscience, permeated by the Holy Spirit, speaks to alert us when there is danger of going against the conscience’s directives. Christ Jesus instills in us his righteousness to strengthen our conscience to ensure that fellowship between us and God the Father continues. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? 

Allow Your Conscience to Accuse or Excuse - Part 2

I overheard a young person express with exasperation, “Why should I follow my conscience? I’d never have fun. What difference does it make? I’d be bored to death and no one would notice I exist.” Even if we deny the existence of our conscience, it still functions and implores us to do what is right, regardless of the outcome.

We may tell our conscience, “Be quiet! Shut up!” Yet there is still an awareness and knowledge that we should behave in accordance with the guidelines of the conscience. C. S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity explains that being aware of the conscience is not enough to keep us from disregarding it.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” 1 John 5:3 confirms that loving God means doing what he tells us to do even though it may be difficult.” Isn’t it interesting that loving Jesus parallels appropriate, godly conduct? Love for Christ Jesus, love for others and love for self inspire compliance with what the conscience requires.