The Problem with Consciences

You have probably heard the song, "Give a Little Whistle." Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio sang it in Disney's Pinocchio. The last line of the song states, "And always let your conscience be your guide."  At face value, this statement sounds like sage advice.  However, a closer look at Jiminy Cricket reveals he was a pretty defective conscience.

Jiminy had an eye for the ladies, and ogles them throughout the movie.  Not only is he unable to articulate a clear definition of temptation, he continually loses sight of Pinocchio just long enough for the puppet to get himself into danger.  Jiminy's weaknesses help to explain why Pinocchio was able to get into so much trouble--his conscience was his guide.

Whether intentional or not, Disney was able to capture the human predicament.  We are creatures who at our cores understand that an external "ought" exists which presses its demands on us.  The concept of right and wrong is deeply ingrained into the human experience in almost every culture.  While we may not be able to perceive our transgressions against others, we unmistakably know when we are transgressed against, and we often become enraged at such injustice.  As Paul says, "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them" (Rom. 2:15).

The truth is our consciences are defective.  Our consciences are quite adept at permitting us to wander off, and then chastising us for wandering.  Sometimes our conscience are unclear as to what is and what is not right or wrong.  The conscience can be heavily influenced by outside forces, or misdirected by personal desires.

If we always let our conscience be our guide, we will find ourselves in as much trouble as the young Pinocchio.  We need a better way.  The author of Hebrews said, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:22).  How do we overcome a defective conscience?  We overcome defective consciences by drawing near to Christ in faith through the experience of regeneration.  As we draw closer to Christ in faith, the Spirit informs our consciences by the Word of God.  So "when you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong," always let the Scripture be your guide.