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 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:15-16

Our conscience is evidence of creation and of God’s image in us, but because it’s been marred by sin, it’s not a perfect guide. The image of God is still there but it’s so severely warped by sin that it has been effectively lost. My conscience rightly accuses me of sin; but my “conflicting thoughts” invent all kinds of excuses to make me feel better about my sin.

The violent reaction I feel when my sin is pointed out to me is my conscience at work, battling those “conflicting thoughts.” The result is inner turmoil, anger, and rage. My heart is still recognizing my guilt and trying to come to grips with it.

God’s Word is a far more dependable yardstick of what’s right and wrong. It convicts my conscience and overwhelms all my excuses, but offers forgiveness and redemption for Jesus’ sake. It doesn’t change the truth, where my conflicting thoughts are all too ready to do that.

Lord, thank You for creating me with a conscience. Forgive my attempts to silence it! Enlighten my heart with the pure light of Your Word. Deliver me from those conflicting thoughts by Your redeeming power, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles