Question:
Should we not follow our conscience? Is it not, to us, the voice of God?
Answer:
To both questions, the answer is both yes and no. Conscience has rightly been called the voice of God in the soul, but it serves this purpose only when it speaks God’s Word, articulates God’s truth, and conveys God’s message. Once, God’s voice was heard from heaven declaring His will. He inscribed that voice with His own finger on tables of enduring rock. That law, expressed in the ten commandments, is the definitive voice of God with which all other supposed voices of God must be compared. It is the standard by which all other standards are to be measured. Only when our conscience aligns with this standard should we recognize its authority.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20) Do not trust your conscience unless it is backed by a wholly obedient heart. “Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their minds and consciences are defiled. They profess that they know God, but by their actions they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and reprobate in every good work.” (Titus 1:15-16)
Many voices are calling, and there are numerous deceptions from the enemy. Every heart that is not attuned to the heavenly music of God’s sacred law—His message to humanity—will be deceived. His Word is true. Your conscience is also true if it harmonizes with that Word. Allow that Word to determine your beliefs, regardless of feelings or education. Let that Word shape your conscience, rather than allowing your conscience to distort the Word, which may lead to certain ruin. The law “is good”; let your conscience be molded to align with its sacred precepts through God’s guidance.
