As we seek to restore a clear conscience before God we need to examine the truthfulness of our society’s values. The beliefs we form need to be compared with what God says is right and good and not simply by what is acceptable in our culture.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Many whom society considers “normies” are simply those whose addictive and destructive tendencies take a socially-acceptable form that is different from those who struggle with substances but is just as destructive. We don’t want to trade addictions. We want to live free. We need to observe and learn the difference between values of our common culture and God’s values.
God defines sin this way: When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. (Galatians 5:19-21 NLT)
From God’s view point, sex outside of marriage is wrong even though our culture leaves that decision to personal choice. Anger and rage are wrong, even though we excuse our outbursts by blaming others for injustice done to us. Many people consult psychics and mediums to have fortunes told, tarot cards read, etc. God says that kind of information will harm us, and we need to avoid it.
Our conscience will be reprogrammed as we read and believe the tried and tested truth of God’s word. In a situation where we might need discernment, the Holy Spirit will bring truth to us and our renewed conscience will guide us to make the right choice. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (Romans 14:22 NASB)
Prayer: Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Amen (Psalm 86:11 NLT)
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