As I See It…

Most people recognize that they have a conscience. Further, most people believe that they should be responsive to its “convicting powers.” (Don’t eat that extra piece of pie. Be careful what you watch on TV. Make sure you guard the use of your tongue.)

However, often our understanding of what our conscience is or really how it works is at best a little fuzzy. Or, even trying to define your conscience causes a breakdown in articulate expression.

Scripture, for example, tells us that our consciences can become “seared.” But “what” is actually being seared? How would we recognize a seared conscience? Though I don’t propose in this brief article to address all of the questions I’ve raised here, I do want to defer to my friend Oswald Chambers for some insight on the matter. Listen to what he has to say:

Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone.

Chambers calls our conscience “the eye of the soul.” He also encourages us to have that “eye” focused upon God. If the lens of our eye is the Word of God, then the view of our life will be clear. Our conscience will then do its job and we will enjoy the benefits of good vision.

Pastor Megilligan