The Biblical God is not only a God of Creation but also a God of morality. He is the absolute standard against which our morality is measured. Since He is almighty, He is also the executioner of justice. This was what at least the Israelites in ancient time believed in. Modern people prefer relativism. Everything is relative, including ethical behaviours. What is right for you may not be right for me. Man becomes the standard of measurement. Therefore, nobody except me can pass judgment on my actions. I am free to do what I believe is the right thing to do. Man seems to be enjoying true autonomy and freedom.
Relativism cannot stand because it cannot claim to be absolutely correct. Nothing can be absolute, including its own claim. If relativism is right, it is wrong at the same time. It is self-defeating. Therefore, somehow, there must be an absolute standard against which we can measure the validity of our claims. Logically for the Jews and the Christians, this absolute standard is God. Since man is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), we also have a sense of justice in our hearts. This inborn capacity is called conscience. Conscience is the little voice deep in our hearts, telling us what the right thing to do is. Knowing the right thing to do is one thing. Actually carrying it out is another. In difficult circumstances, we often lack the moral courage to do the right thing. We yield to the pressures of the situation.
Today, we read of one of the prayers of Jeremiah. His enemies were plotting against his life. Jeremiah felt vulnerable like a lamb led to the slaughter (Jeremiah 11:19). He prayed to God for help, perhaps with Psalm 7.
But, O LORD of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance upon them, for to thee have I committed my cause (Jeremiah 11:20).
O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous, thou who triest the minds and hearts, thou righteous God (Psalm 7:9).
The concept of conscience is universal. It is found in all civilizations. Though the Israelites did not have a Hebrew word for conscience, they expressed it with the simple term "heart". Our conscience does not only tell us what is right, it also passes judgment on our actions. That is why we regret doing the wrong thing. The two verses quoted above also mention "righteous". From this context, we can conclude that the Psalmist and Jeremiah were talking about conscience. Whether we like it or not, God has written His laws in our conscience to guide our actions. So, let us commit our cause to God and work hard not to leave a guilty conscience. There is nowhere we can hide our hearts and minds.
But, O LORD of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance upon them, for to thee have I committed my cause (Jeremiah 11:20).
O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous, thou who triest the minds and hearts, thou righteous God (Psalm 7:9).
The concept of conscience is universal. It is found in all civilizations. Though the Israelites did not have a Hebrew word for conscience, they expressed it with the simple term "heart". Our conscience does not only tell us what is right, it also passes judgment on our actions. That is why we regret doing the wrong thing. The two verses quoted above also mention "righteous". From this context, we can conclude that the Psalmist and Jeremiah were talking about conscience. Whether we like it or not, God has written His laws in our conscience to guide our actions. So, let us commit our cause to God and work hard not to leave a guilty conscience. There is nowhere we can hide our hearts and minds.
Dear Lord, tame my heart and mind. They are wild at times. Strengthen me on my way to follow Your will. Amen.
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