Although God has a way of making truth apparent to us, sometimes we just won’t see it. Sometimes our environment blocks out truth. Sometimes we have been so surrounded by falsehood and deception that our conscience becomes numb. We become conditioned to seeing and receiving falsehoods as normal; they become illusions of truth.
RELEVANCE
God wants us to seek clarity and come to truth. One way is to be careful that our ears don’t become “itchy” with a hankering to hear something appealing to our carnal nature that may be deceiving. God would desire that we use discernment and appreciate truth.
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
The apostle Paul spoke much about the conscience. He knew it serves as our inner governor; and mechanism of self-regulation—moral compass, judging right and wrong; truth and error. It functions with the intellect and the emotions, synchronizing the heart and mind, spirit and soul. It processes knowledge and makes choices. It functions with the will to control behavior and action.
That’s why Paul connected a pure heart and good conscience to sincere faith (1Timothy 1:5-6); and why he revealed that the conscience holds the key to understanding many of the mysteries of life (1 Timothy 3:9). It’s also why the writers of the New Testament in general placed such high emphasis on having a healthy or good conscience in contrast to one that is weak, seared, defiled or insensitive. Truly the conscience is where God works to a great degree to make us whole.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Examine the fruit of your attitudes. How do people respond to you? Look beyond your closest circle of friends and associates. Think about why some people may avoid you or give you little time and attention. Be honest with yourself. Allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten you with truth.
REFERENCES
Jeremiah 9:5; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 1:3; Titus 1:15; 1 Peter 3:16; Hebrews 10:22