Resources/Articles
Conscience Adjustment
“I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and man.”
Acts 24.16
Habits are hard to break. When we have done a particular thing or thought a certain way over time, it becomes a part of our lives. Changing is not often a consideration. We do not think we need to change, because we may not see anything wrong about what we are doing or thinking. Pride prevents us from considering change. Humility causes us to constantly try ourselves to determine whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13.5). Is pride or humility the stimulus of your conscience?
Built into us is an internal judicial system - the conscience. It commends us when we do right and condemns us when we do wrong. This internal monitoring system does not say the same thing to everyone. In some cultures, vengeful killing is seen as honorable. In other societies, homosexuality is an accepted preference. Some think a person is still considered good, even when he betrays a friend.
A true story was revealed of a 12-year-old boy caught stealing a watch. He told police he had previously shoplifted a gift for his mother, and he felt he had to do the same for his dad. He did not want to leave out his father. Therefore, he had no qualms about stealing a gift for him as well.
Sin does not register in the hearts of many people. It is because they do not know what it is. Right and wrong is so clouded, people have trouble believing there is an absolute standard. Friend, sin is what has made the conscience unreliable and in need of constant adjustments. This begins with a right relationship to God through faith in Jesus Christ. He paid sin’s penalty. Our hearts can become “sprinkled from an evil conscience” (Hebrews 10.22). What God has done in Christ does not make our consciences obsolete. We cannot acquire a once saved, always saved mentality. Therefore, it is imperative we study the scriptures. It is through the revelation of the Holy Spirit that our inner monitoring systems (consciences) are put on the same frequency, which brings us in tune with the words, deeds, and attitudes of the Lord Jesus. Definitely, our Lord is the greatest guide for any conscience.
