What programs or activities can you suggest to help in the development of correct conscience?

Answer 1

First let's consider the definition of a conscience. The word is translated from the Greek sy·nei′de·sis, which is drawn from syn (with) and ei′de·sis (knowledge) and thus means co-knowledge, or knowledge with oneself. Conscience is a capacity to look at oneself and render judgment about oneself, bear witness to oneself.Conscience is inherent in man, having been made part of him by God. It is an inward realization or sense of right and wrong that excuses or accuses one. Hence, conscience judges. It also can be trained by the thoughts and acts, convictions and rules that are implanted in a person's mind by study and experience. It

can be a moral safety device, in that it imparts pleasure and inflicts pain for one's own good and bad conduct.

The fist step in having a correct conscience is having correct viewpoints. We as imperfect humans are not always going to have accurate thinking. Our thinking affects directly how our conscience operates. Therefore our conscience has to be trained by the only source that can completely be trusted in all aspects of life which is The Bible, God's means of communication with mankind.(2 Timothy 3:16) At Acts 24:16 Paul stated "I am exercising myself continually to have a consciousness of committing no offense against God and men", he meant that he continually steered and corrected his course of life according to God's Word and Christ's teachings, for he knew that in the final analysis God, and not his own conscience, would be his ultimate judge. So in order to make proper evaluations a conscience must be fully and accurately trained in God's Word. Hence, when faced with a question or a decision, we should first reflect on Bible principles that may apply. Identifying the relevant Bible principle can thus strengthen our conscience and help us make the right decision.

To have a correct conscience we may first need to build our relationship with god and continue to get to know him as a person (likes, dislikes, attributes, views, standards) so that our thoughts and actions can be in harmony with his. Jehovah's Witnesses have a free home-bible study program that can help you to do just that. You will not only be improving your conscience by following the guidance that the bible provides through that study but also benefit in countless other ways that will improve your life altogether. If you are interested please contact the local "Kingdom Hall" in your area and arrangements can be made immediately.