The first mention of the human conscience is found in Genesis 3:7. Adam and Eve describe this sensation as an overwhelming tug on their hearts. By the time the oral testimonies from Israel’s history were written down, Moses described the conscience as a combination of conviction, guilt and shame. While the world may reject this biblical truth, God designed human beings with a spiritual thermostat known as a conscience.
[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear ([e]unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives], 1 Peter 3:16.
My grandfather was the Chief of Police in Papile, Lithuania. When your father’s job description is to uphold the law, you leave behind a legacy of instilling right from wrong behavior. After my own father served in the United States Army, he made it clear what he expected of me growing up in his house. Subsequently, when I broke a rule or disobeyed, my father turned into a drill sergeant to keep me in line. This is what the Lord used in my life to keep my conscience unimpaired.
They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] [e]decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving [f]thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them], Romans 2:15.
Every human being is wired a little differently. Depending upon your knowledge of the Bible, you may have a clear understanding of right from wrong or you’re currently confused by all the grey areas that exist. Perhaps is this why Joshua exhorted Israel to meditate on the Torah Day and Night prior to entering into God’s Promised Land, Joshua 1:8. When you reach a point in life where God’s laws are written on your heart, your conscience becomes unimpaired.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 