Kids Talk About God
By Carey Kinsolving
Ava, age 8, says, “When my conscience talks, it sounds like my mom clearing her throat. I know I should stop and listen.”
“My conscience is like a yellow light,” says Mateo, 10. “If I speed up, I will get in trouble. If I slow down, I am safe.”
God built something inside of us that warns us when we are stepping toward wrong. The apostle Paul wrote that even people who have never read the Bible still have a sense of right and wrong. He said, “for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified” (Romans 2:13).
Paul also explained that people “show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” (Romans 2:15).
Your conscience is like a referee in your heart. It blows the whistle when you foul, and it gives a thumbs up when you do what is right.
Mark Twain once said: “When in doubt, tell the truth. It will confound your enemies and astonish your friends.”
So what should you do next when your conscience warns you?
First, pause. When the warning light comes on, stop what you are doing. This could be as simple as closing your mouth before a lie comes out. A quick pause gives space for better choices.
Second, pray. Ask God for help right away. Prayer turns your heart toward the One who knows your thoughts and wants to help you. Since God sees our secret thoughts, it is wise to ask him to guide those thoughts.
Third, tell the truth and confess. If you crossed a line, admit it to God and to the person you wronged. Hiding usually makes the warning louder and the trouble bigger. Confession brings the problem into the light where God can clean it up.
Fourth, make it right. If you took something, return it. If you said something unkind, apologize. If you broke a promise, do what you said you would do. Conscience is not only a stop sign. It is also a turn signal that points you back toward what is good.
Fifth, replace the wrong with the right. If your conscience warns you about wasting time, choose a good task and start on it. If your conscience warns you about gossip, say something encouraging about the person.
Sixth, ask for wise help. Talk with a parent, teacher, pastor, or trusted friend. Listening to wise counsel keeps your conscience from getting dull.
Conscience must be trained. It works best when we fill our minds with God’s word and practice obeying it. Reading the Bible, praying, and acting in love help tune your inner referee to blow the whistle at the right time.
“Sometimes my conscience tells me to return the toy I borrowed,” says Lily, 7. “If I return it fast, I feel peaceful.” That is a good test. When you follow your conscience toward what is right, peace usually follows. When you ignore it, worry and fear grow. God wants you to live in peace because you are walking in the light.
Think About This: Your conscience is a gift from God that warns and guides. When it sounds the alarm, it is time to stop, pray, and do what is right.
Memorize This Truth: Romans 2:15, previously quoted.
Ask This Question: What is one situation today where you can listen to your conscience and choose what is right?
Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
