To conform or NOT CONFORM!
When disagreement means going against the broad way!
What God permits and man doesn’t allow can create disagreement!
What man allows and God does not permit can create disagreement!
Values, principles and beliefs determine the road or path a person chooses. When conscience dictates, not public opinion, it usually has a moral decision. Due to it being an internal moral guide of sorts, to know right from wrong, a sacred and divine mystery. The Lord is Lord over the conscience. It is no wonder it is listed on and as part of the first line of the guaranteed Fundamental Freedoms in the Canadian Constitution Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982. Notably “Freedom of Conscience and Religion”. It is a fundamental freedom for very good reason, it protects us from other people’s conscience thoughts and beliefs.
Public opinion is just that, it does not belong to any one conscience, public opinion does not hold the right of fundamental freedom. The fundamental freedom associated with conscience belongs to the individual.
The conscience alone resides in a person not an organization or a group of people. Therefore individuals have every right to their freedom of thoughts, beliefs, conscience and freedom of expression, conscience and religion. These rights are fundamental and guaranteed in the Charter, the Preamble explains why, and Section 52 explains that no other policy or lower law can infringe on the Supreme Laws of the land because they are inalienable rights and are guaranteed.
When I think about my own conscience and how it is influenced by the wisdom of the Word, it radiates much more clarity. As in this scripture:
Romans 12:2 Darby Translation ~And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [your] mind, that ye may prove what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
There are leaders and there are followers. Opting to lead is because of one’s will and conscience, purpose, passion and perhaps an innate understanding and desire to do so. Choosing to follow is for a lack there of or a trust in something other than yourself. One not having a strong set of values and beliefs could be more apt to follow others therefore allowing to be led. This can be a slippery area for it has been said, if you stand for nothing you can fall for anything. So what do you stand for? Your conscience belongs to you, it’s a divine and sacred mystery, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your thoughts or beliefs. It is assured that these are acquired and change along the journey of life by your own lived experience. We glean wisdom along the way from the lessons and teachings. That makes you very unique and no one has walked the exact same path as you. Your path has purpose! And wisdom is a principle thing.
Colossians 2:8 Darby Translation ~ See that there be no one who shall lead *you* away as a prey through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the teaching of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.
During our lifetimes many of us have faced moments and decisions we opt to comply or not comply. But to who is the real question. Because that ultimately is what matters. Truth matters, it has the power to set people free. Lies deceive and the fear of man is snare (Prov29:25). Watch out for the trickery of men:
Exodus 23:8 Darby Translation ~ And thou shalt take no bribe; for the bribe blindeth those whose eyes are open, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
.
Truth is a lion, it doesn’t need to be defended, it will always prevail! Conscience is knowing right from wrong, truth from lies, helping you to stay in righteousness. The Lord is the Lord of the conscience. Having a value and goal to maintain a clear conscience is a continual process: this requires awareness.
Acts 24:16 Darby Translation ~ For this cause I also exercise [myself] to have in everything a conscience without offence towards God and men.
.