Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
This passage of scripture teaches us that we are never to follow our conscience as being the ultimate guide in matters of good and evil, for the standard of righteousness will thus vary from person to person, depending on the stage of spiritual development we are currently in. This is one of the main reasons why there are widely divergent views held by members of the same church, for when the stability of absolute truth is not the accepted standard, then whatever we think is right takes center stage, and because our ideas and opinions are fluid, being based on several different factors, the standard of righteousness will inevitably change and fluctuate from one person to the next.
There is a saying that goes like this, "Let conscience be your guide" and millions of people have subscribed to it, and thereby have become gods unto themselves. When this maxim is adopted it produces widely different standards of right and wrong, and enables those who are hell bent on doing evil, to justify the worst kinds of actions in their own minds. Hence the reason why there are some who believe that the smoking of marijuana is productive of great evil, while others tout its benefits, even for recreational use.
Others believe that traditional marriage should remain as being between one woman and one man, while others believe that it should include multiple partners, or two of the same sex. Then there are others whose consciences tell them that it is okay to consume alcohol in moderate amounts, while others believe that the use of such beverages should be entirely discarded, as is clearly stated in several passages of scripture. Again, there are some Christians whose consciences give them the green light to attend all types of movies, whilst others believe that the scriptural standard set forth in Philippians 4:8 should be the standard when choosing our entertainment.
Thus the variable standard of righteousness produced by different consciences, makes for a plethora of divergent views, resulting in evils that are countenanced under the garb of good. What many of us may not know is that the Lord actually commanded us not to use our conscience as the ultimate guide in differentiating between right and wrong, for whenever this is done, a ton of evil is sure to follow. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 12:8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
Judges 17:5 And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Government by the people, and for the people is a system of democracy which affords the opportunity for many evils to spring into life, for it's not every time that "The people" will determine what's good, according to what the scripture teaches. As a matter of fact, what we are now considering to be progress in the social realm as it pertains to marriage, is actually retrogression towards an abyss of moral anarchy, from which there will be no escaping the dire consequences that will accrue. Thus it is very important that the absolute truths of God's law, as manifested in the life and teachings of Christ, be the standard of righteousness for us individually, so that we be not tossed to and fro, by those who are bent on cultivating and practicing sin.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us that the law of God, written upon the tablets of the heart, is the only true standard of righteousness God will ever accept or recognize, for the righteousness produced by fluid consciences will never stand the test of time or the judgment. Let's read:
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!