In the old Disney movie, Jiminy Cricket gave Pinocchio the simple advice, “give a little whistle, and always let your conscience be your guide!” That’s pretty good advice, so long as one’s conscience is properly trained.
The Scriptures teach the importance of a good conscience. Paul told Timothy to wage his spiritual warfare by “holding faith and a good conscience.”[1] Peter exhorts Christians to always be prepared to defend our faith, but to do so with “gentleness and respect, having a good conscience.”[2] But how do we know if our conscience is good or not? The key is it must be shaped by and obedient to God’s Word. For example, Peter also says that baptism is “an appeal to God for a good conscience…”[3] Why is that? Because baptism is commanded by God. When we obey the Lord, we can have a truly good conscience. If our conscience is trained by God’s Word, then we can truly have a good conscience that is an able and effective guide.
[1] 1 Tim. 1:19
[2] 1 Pet. 3:16
[3] 1 Pet. 3:21