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Sunday, September 9, 2007

Caring for Your Conscience

READ | 1 Timothy 1:5

Every one of us at times faces a decision that tests our character. When a choice conflicts with our value system, the “first responder” is our conscience. However, even this divine gift has been exposed to our fallen world’s programming, which means we must not only reorient but also fortify our “inner compass.”

The strength of our conscience depends on both truth and tradition, and these in turn are impacted by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives:

• Truth. Since Jesus declared He is the truth, maintaining a close relationship with Him through prayer and obedience strengthens our conscience. Both the Holy Spirit and the Word of God play vital roles in this growth process. The Spirit of Truth, as Jesus identified the third Person of the Trinity, is also known as “the Helper.” The Spirit doesn’t just assist us in discerning righteousness from sin; He also teaches us and guides us into all truth. (John 14:17, 26; 16:8, 13).

• Tradition. Joseph and David are two godly examples for us. Both faced grave temptation but allowed their conscience to guide them in honoring God. At great personal cost, Joseph rejected the advances of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). And David, though initially choosing to humiliate Saul, let his conscience get him back on track (1 Samuel 24:5-7).

We can rely on God’s Spirit to help us develop a better conscience. He has given us everything we need for the task, which is essential if we are to live a godly life.

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