A GOOD CONSCIENCE
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The dictionary defines “conscience” as “the internal recognition of right and wrong, with the compulsion to do right; a moral judgment that opposes the violation of a previously recognized ethical principle.” But “blind ambition” will disregard conscience and go for what it wants, no matter what. The Bible tells us that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2).
If we continue to act against what our conscience tells us, we get burned; repetition makes the “skin” numb like scar tissue, and we are no longer sensitive to what’s right and wrong. We’ll do what we want, rather than what God wants.
The end does not justify the means. God wants us to stay righteous today, not later when we’ve accomplished what we think we want. Ambition is good, but only under the distinct leadership of the Lord.
The news is riddled with horror stories of what many of the actors in Hollywood, singers, and sports figures have compromised to get to the top. Morals, ethics, and a sense of what’s right and wrong go right out the window because being a great star is what they want more than being a great person.
People get tempted to compromise on morals because they think they’ll lose something, like a job promotion, or a boyfriend or girlfriend, for instance. We are so afraid of losing something that we do things we know are wrong.
But honestly, we don’t have anything worthwhile to lose if we endeavor to live with a good conscience toward God. Hebrews 13:5 says: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
People misunderstand the part that says be content with what you have. They think it’s referring to our present job, our physical possessions, etc. But what God is talking about is what we really have: every desire fulfilled by him. Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
The Apostle Paul gives us a great goal: “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). And when he was accused, in Acts 24:16, he answers: “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.”
No matter the circumstance, big or small, let’s keep our moral compass on the truths found in God’s Word and decide to do the right thing without compromise. It’s God’s job to bring us to the perfect things for us always.
Love, Carolyn
Lots of great true-life stories on a variety of issues that come up in our everyday lives.
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