When I was a kid, there was this question I would ask myself when contemplating doing something I probably shouldn’t, “Should I, or shouldn’t I?” I’d repeat this over and over until I finally did, or didn’t do whatever it was I was considering. In cartoons and popular culture, we envision an angel and a devil on someone’s shoulders, persuading them to do or not do something. Some people also imagine two wolves inside a person. One good and one wrong, with the one that gets fed most being the dominant wolf.

All of these are ways to express the notion of conscience. Webster has several definitions of conscience, and the one I’ll be looking at today is this:

The sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one’s conduct, intentions, or character, together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.

The idea of conscience is universal. Every culture has its notions of what is right and what is wrong. I believe this is the case because we are created beings. God created us, and when he made us, he deposited the notion of right and wrong within us. Paul writes about this in Romans.

(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)

Romans 2:14-15 (NIV)

As human beings, we consider ourselves the pinnacle of life on this planet. We place ourselves higher than everything around us and behave as if it is here to serve us. Yet, for all our intelligence and awareness, we miss the fundamental truth of creation. I thought of our lack today when I read this verse from Isaiah.

“The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”

Isaiah 1:3 (NIV)

We have the truth inside us, written in our hearts of what is right and wrong, yet we choose to live on our terms. The wind, waves, animals, and all of creation rejoice and naturally recognize the sovereignty of God. Still, we, his most beautiful design, do not. Instead, our stubbornness requires that we be taught. Paul asks, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14 NIV).

Ironic, isn’t it? That we have subjugated the world and do our best to bend it to our will when we are the only force in creation that doesn’t naturally submit to our Creator!

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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