Since I have been writing about the Holy Spirit I thought I would write about our conscience. Is the Holy Spirit our conscience?
First of all we have nurtured that conscience for years meaning that we have nurtured it like we want it. Probably making it comfortable for us by justifying things. This is why our conscience and the Spirit are at war. An example of this is Sunday evening Mike had called the marina to put our boat in the water so we could go out. We had everything packed including our 3 pound dog, Duke. We got to the marina and our boat had not been put out and they were closed. Because we had Duke with us our options were limited. We were so disappointed but we sat on the deck and enjoyed the next hour. At one point Mike said, "you know there are lots of boats out. We could just steal one and take it out." I said, "Well, if we bring it back it is not stealing." Now of course we were joking! But isn't that how we "justify" things in our conscience.
If you are ever wondering if it is your conscience or the Spirit talking to you remember this. The Spirit will NEVER contradict the Word of God. Over time the Holy Spirit will renew and reshape our conscience. That may be why sometimes we are torn in a decision because the Spirit is pulling us one way and our conscience the other.
Charles Stanley wrote, "When you became a Christian, a change began to occur in your conscience. The basic moral code that everyone has at birth started to be overhauled. The Spirit of truth took up residency in your heart. Then, whether you were aware of it or not, He immediately set about to reprogram your conscience. Whereas before you had a general sense of right and wrong, the Holy Spirit began renewing your mind to more specific and complete truths (1 Corinthians 2: 10-13)."
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our hearts. When we don't know how to pray or what to pray for The Holy Spirit intercedes. Even though our conscience may change the Spirit does not change. It has its own standard of life and holiness. That standard won't change but it can change the conscience. This change can take place when we read Scriptures, attend worship service, pray, etc.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 14
Can you think of a time that your conscience was at war with The Spirit? Ask God to help you be more aware of this war.