Psalm: 31
Old Testament: 1 Kings 11:26-43
New Testament: James 4:13-5:6
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. (James 4:17)
While hearing this Scripture read at the Cathedral this morning I was immediately reminded of the 2nd Murder’s speech from Shakespeare’s Richard III:
Skip ahead to 6:35 ff. to hear the speech and subsequent dialogue
When debating whether to kill the Duke of Clarence and collect their fee from Richard, the assassin proclaims that he won’t meddle with conscience because it only leads to guilt, trouble and inability to do what we wish.
If only turning off that still small voice was so easy. Our conscience is what helps us to determine the will of God and the road of sin. Without it, there can be no living in holiness…nor is there anything to keep us from living in chaos.
I would love to be able to be fun and fancy free…..and yet….I am entirely too human…and conscience indeed comes into play…especially if I do something bad.
The warning from James–although directed to the rich who squander wealth–speaks to us all. As much as a guilty conscience can convict us, a clear conscience can enable us to live with joy and peace.
I pray that this day we find peace in our souls…..and if we are restless….that the Spirit will move us to repent and be healed by the Great Physician which heals all malady and makes hearts of cold stone into beating hearts of flesh with the power to love +
Jonathan
Sep 02, 2011 @ 16:49:58
I’ve been thinking about desire and our ability to fulfill them, and I have to say, I am beginning to hold the view that it is a good thing that there are so many things that thwart our ability to fulfill our desires – if unredeemed, anyway – because so often our desires are vicious, and, if fulfilled, would lead to evil (say, committing murder in order to earn money). If conscience is one such means; great!
Ian Edgar
Sep 10, 2011 @ 00:11:08
Great post!