A Good Conscience

When we sincerely and wholeheartedly seek to obey God’s word, one if the greatest benefits is that we are kept from shameful thoughts and actions (Psalm 119:80).  Shame is the most painful emotion a human being can experience.  We all know that doing something shameful in the eyes of other people can be unbearable.  To do what is shameful in God’s eyes is far worse.  The only thing that can keep us from shame is a good conscience.  A good conscience is a great mercy.  Conscience operates as God intended when it informs us what is pleasing to Him, and rises up to warn us concerning impending sin.  Fundamental to a properly functioning conscience is the belief that God is our judge.  Because He has created each one of us, He has the right to morally govern the world as He sees fit.  When people reject this truth, their consciences become hardened.  People who continually violate their consciences, lose any shame for sin.  They replace proper shame with a deadened conscience.  This is a tragic and dreadful condition to be in.  When the nerves in our body do not register physical pain, we are in great danger of unknowingly injuring ourselves.  Even so, when the conscience no longer feels shame for sin, the consequences are deadly.