Yesterday, I persuaded our kids to avoid adopting philosophies about life that are solely based upon feeling. Almost daily, through various channels, we are exposed to thinking that tell us that we are to, “Do what feels right”, “Follow our heart”, and “Let our conscience be our guide.” Scripture teaches, however, that we should not let our conscience be our guide unless God guides our conscience. According to R.C. Sproul, "Conscience can be misinformed, or conditioned to regard evil as good, or become seared and dull through repeated sin...The conscience must be educated to judge scripturally."The Israelites repeatedly make this mistake in the Old Testament. Throughout the book of Judges the reader is told that “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” The source of their error is revealed in Judges 17:6, which states, “In those days…Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Believers must understand that although one may think they know what is best, if they do not consult God with how they are to act, they will displease Him. Doing what comes natural offends God because ones nature is sinful. Scripture teaches, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7).
There are also consequences for the unregenerate who never repent from this manner of thinking. Proverbs 14:12 affirms, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end is the way of death.” The same book, however, also gives an alternative; calling for individuals to trust in the Lord and not lean on human understanding, but acknowledge God in everyway and allow Him to make ones path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 paraphrase).
Sproul, R.C. Conscience and the Law. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando, Florida: Ligonier Ministries, 415.
