The Conscience Question

In our journey through life, we're constantly faced with decisions - some small, some life-altering. But how do we ensure we're making the best choices possible? How can we align our decisions with God's will and avoid regrets down the road? The answer may lie in paying attention to a subtle yet powerful force within us: our conscience.

The conscience, often depicted in pop culture as the angel and devil on our shoulders, is more than just a cartoon trope. It's the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit, offering us guidance in moments of decision. This internal check gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect before we act. But how often do we actually listen to it?

Scripture reminds us of the vital role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. In John 14:16, Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you." This Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is described as a comforter, teacher, and guide. John 14:26 further elaborates, "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."

The Holy Spirit's guidance is not just a vague concept, but a practical tool for navigating life's complexities. When we're faced with a decision, big or small, we should ask ourselves: Is there a tension that deserves my attention? This "Conscience Question" invites us to pause and listen to that still, small voice within.

Consider the story of King David, hiding in a cave from his pursuer, King Saul. Suddenly, David finds himself with an unexpected opportunity to end his troubles - Saul enters the very cave where David is hiding, completely vulnerable. Everything David had hoped for - to stop running, to go home, to claim the kingdom - was within his grasp.

But in that crucial moment, David felt a tension. Something made him pause. As he crept from the back of the cave towards Saul's unprotected back, clarity dawned on him. "I'm about to murder the king!" he realized. This wasn't war or combat - it was murder. David asked himself, "Wasn't it God who put Saul on the throne in the first place? Who am I to replace what God has put into place?"

Because David paid attention to the tension in his spirit, he gained clarity. He became conscience-stricken and changed course mid-stream, listening to the guidance of the Spirit. "The Lord forbid me to do this to His anointed," he declared.

David's measured response came because he took the time to pause and pay attention to the tension. He chose to wait on God rather than take matters into his own hands. Months later, when Saul died in battle, David ascended to the throne with his character and legacy intact.

This biblical account illustrates a profound truth: when we feel that internal tension, it's an invitation to pause, reflect, and seek God's wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us, "And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won't see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace."

However, it's important to note that when we ask for wisdom, we may not always hear what we want to hear. The Holy Spirit's guidance can sometimes challenge our desires or preconceptions. Our reaction shouldn't be, "Well, that's not really what I was hoping for." We can't dodge truth, especially truth from the Holy Spirit.

The principle remains consistent whether we're facing major life decisions or everyday choices: If there is tension, pause. Give the Holy Spirit time and attention. Then act.

Consider the story of a young girl preparing for a test. She found her older brother's old tests and used one to study. To her surprise, when she arrived at school, she discovered it was the exact same test. Feeling a tension in her spirit, she approached the teacher and explained what had happened. The teacher revealed that he had meant to change the test but couldn't due to a broken copier. This girl could have easily kept quiet and aced the test, but she felt a tension and paid attention to it.

This example, while seemingly small compared to David's life-or-death situation, illustrates how the Conscience Question applies to all areas of our lives. Whether we're facing a situation as significant as David's or as everyday as a school test, the principle remains the same: If there is tension, pause and pay attention.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to rush through decisions without giving them proper consideration. We may think we know what's best for ourselves because we know ourselves best. But the truth is, we don't always see the full picture or understand all the consequences of our choices.

That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. As 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 reminds us, "But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us."

By cultivating a habit of pausing to listen to our conscience - that internal nudge from the Holy Spirit - we open ourselves up to God's wisdom and guidance. We position ourselves to make decisions that align with God's will and lead to fewer regrets.

So the next time you're faced with a decision, whether big or small, remember to ask yourself: Is there a tension that deserves my attention? Take a moment to pause, pray, and listen. You might be surprised at the clarity and wisdom that follows when you give the Holy Spirit space to speak.

In doing so, we can navigate life's choices with greater confidence, knowing we're not relying solely on our own understanding, but on the infinite wisdom of God. And that, ultimately, is the path to better decisions and fewer regrets.