Our Internal Warning System

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5

The sales associate realized what he had done was wrong. Yet the temptation to take cash from the register was very alluring. He justified his actions by claiming his family needed extra money. But he laid at night awake - consumed with guilt and knowing he had taken something that did not belong to him. His conscience convicted him of his sin and the need to make restitution.

As he confessed his actions to the Lord, he felt the Holy Spirit prompting him to talk with his employer. Despite the tension, God gave him peace and a clean, clear conscience. “Consciences are built on universal, divinely-given, moral principles,” writes Christian counselor Gary Collins. “[They] are placed in us by God before we are able to even think about right or wrong.” The primary responsibility of our conscience is to warn us of danger and approaching sin. It is a vehicle of hope and cleansing, not a tool of despair and fear.

When God thinks of you, He envisions you living freely and joyfully within His love and grace. He does not want you to suffer the constriction and limitation that sin creates. Commit your conscience to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to be your only guide.

The conscience is our God-given radar system.