In all the lies, half-truths, fairy tales and fabrications that the world throws at us, occasionally there’s a small nugget of wisdom that sneaks in. On a commercial for a cable TV program, I heard one of the characters say, “A moral conscience will only point you in the right direction; it can’t make you go there.” There’s actually some wisdom/truth in that. Of course our conscience is only as reliable as the condition of our heart will allow.
If we know the Lord, our conscience should be ruled by His Spirit, giving us wise guidance and direction. It’s then up to us to choose whether or not we follow it. And the age-old question, “what is truth?” was even asked of Jesus by Pilate (John 18:38). We’re not told if Jesus answered the question. But the answer, I’m sure, Pilate would not have understood. Truth was literally standing right in front of him. Truth is a Person. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
We don’t follow concepts, or theories, or philosophies – we follow a Person. And the better we know Him, and are attuned to His leading, the better we will follow. And it won’t be a question of our conscience making us go His direction – we will willingly, joyfully, whole-heartedly go where He goes.
So what is giving you direction today? The wisdom of the world? Your conscience? Or the Truth?
Written by Ruth Schmidt: Ruth Schmidt has worked at America’s Keswick since 1985. She currently serves as Administrative Assistant to Bill Welte.
Think About This: “Either you will be getting your identity vertically, from who you are in Christ, or you will be shopping for it horizontally in the situations, experiences, and relationships of your daily life.” ―
