“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,” (2 Timothy 1:3)

Dear Friend,

It took me many years to discover the power of my conscience.

As a teenager and young adult, the conscience was a voice within me that I was aware of, but not one that I listened to often. My parents did well to teach me what was right and wrong, and I knew better than to stifle that voice within me.

What I didn't know, is that the voice of my conscience was also the voice of the Holy Spirit, leading me to His best for my life.

In 2 Timothy 1:3, the Greek word translated conscience, suneidēsis, means co-perception; the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.

The conscience perceives the natural and the spiritual, and discerns the best course between the two.

God placed within every person a conscience that would lead them, speak to them, and guide them—away from what was wrong and what would harm them, and guide them towards what would bless them and advance them.

Because I silenced that voice of right and wrong within me as a young person, I became deaf to it. I suffocated it. I hardened my heart to the voice of God within me, and it became harder for me to hear that voice.

The Bible says, you can sear and defile your conscience so that it no longer works (1 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:15), and you can harden your heart towards God (Hebrews 3:8).

This is exactly where I was. I hardened my heart towards God so much that I could not hear His voice, His warnings, and His guidance within me.

When we silence our conscience, we are shunning God and making our faith ineffective.

“holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,” (1 Timothy 1:19)

Every time we feel direction in our conscience and choose not to listen to it, you are hardening your heart towards God. It becomes more difficult to hear His voice and to yield to it.

After I got sober, I determined to pursue God. I began reading the Bible and it became less difficult for me to hear God's voice. It became more clear to me how and when my conscience was leading me. It became easier for me to listen to this inner voice of right and wrong. Every time I listened, the voice became more clear and easier to discern. As a result, I grew...on the inside and on the outside. My life was full of blessings!

My spirit, my faith, my soul became stronger, healthier, happier, and more peaceful because I learned how to cooperate with Christ in me.

As we yield to these God-given promptings within us, you will be amazed to see your life soar because you are yielding to the One who knows what's best for you. Your faith will work for you effortlessly. Your life will flow with supernatural harmony. You will use the compass God placed within you and your life will change effortlessly!

If you recognize that you've been ignoring your conscience and not listening to God's direction within you, it's ok. All you have to do is apologize. The word 'repent' simply means to change directions. Tell God you're sorry, and then correct your course to follow Him! Spending time in the Bible will strengthen your spirit, and make it easier for you to hear and obey God's guidance within you.

The next time you're faced with a choice and you don't know what to do, listen to your inner compass...your conscience. He will always show you the right path to take.

These truths have changed my life so much, I have an entire chapter in my book about this topic and the importance of your heart!

Watch this short video about God's grace helping you to walk by faith!

I pray that your faith would soar and strengthen as you yield to Christ every day!

With Love,
Erin