The High Cost of False Assumption

False assumptions build a bridge to disappointments by contributing to unhappiness and failure to reach objectives. False assumption believes something is actually true only to discover a price must be paid for self-deception. We can be thankful when God opens our minds to the truth and gives us courage to change.

Moses must have been tremendously disappointed within himself when all the miracles God performed and all he could do were not enough to change the Hebrew people’s attitudes and sinful choices. Moses assumed he had a free pass to cross over into the Promised Land. He had suffered forty years bringing the Hebrews to the Promised Land.

Moses’ mistake was making it appear that God had to obey him when he became angry with God. God permitted Moses’ anger to be seen as a source of power that caused water to flow out of a rock, but only at great cost. God would forgive Moses and love him although the consequences of his sin had to be acknowledged and experienced.  

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I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born.

~Psalm 51:5 Contemporary English Version

 

But you are merciful and gentle, Lord, slow in getting angry, full of constant lovingkindness and of truth; so look down in pity and grant strength to your servant and save me.

~Psalm 86:15-16 The Living Bible

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Your Conscience: God's Inner Voice - Part 2

What is the conscience and what role does it play in determining conduct? The conscience functions as an inner voice, pointing out the best possible moral good for ourselves and others. It recalls what is ethical and appropriate by directing us to choose what is truly good, with the goal of learning to enjoy these choices.

Thomas Aquinas, the thirteenth century Italian theologian, wrote that happiness is not equivalent to wealth, power or pleasure. Happiness involves a life full of things that human beings need in the right order and in the right proportion. The purpose of conscience is to help us avoid guilt.

Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachael, maintained his moral principles even under disastrous circumstances. He made critical decisions based upon what his conscience urged him to do. The voice of conscience directs you to consider the long-term effects of your choices. Are they compatible with what is right, good, and godly? God encourages choices that reflect his highest purpose for your life. 

A Clear Conscience: Essential for Self-Respect - Part 3

What is the relationship between your conscience, the values you keep, and self-respect? I read an article about a young police officer who was assigned to drug enforcement. He served earnestly until, in a moment of weakness, he experimented with cocaine, which in turn evolved into a full-fledged addiction. He disregarded his conscience, which cheapened his self-respect.

What went wrong with his conscience that allowed this officer to take such a drastic turn in his behavior? He was aware of the consequences he’d experience later down the road. Why didn’t his conscience stop him from experimenting with cocaine in the first place? Surely his conscience made him aware of the wrong choices he was making.

Obviously, your conscience can be over-ridden and denied the power to stop disaster. Even so, your conscience doesn’t give up because God uses it to help you turn away from sin, even when self-respect is stuck in the gutter. Jesus is interested in your redemption and beckons you to turn around and come back to him, so why not do it now?