It is an incontrovertible fact that we can talk ourselves into nearly anything.  Sadly, the road of rationalization has an uncertain and, more often than not, disappointing end.  All reassessment is not bad because the unexamined life is not worth living, but, generally, rationalizations of belief and behavior trend down.  They don’t normally cause us to aspire to higher ideals, rather they pander to our baser instincts. The woods are full of remorseful people who let down their guards.

We need not understand self-examination as identical to rationalized downgrade.  We were all raised with beliefs and biases that are not, indeed, factual. One of the functions of maturity is to discern between ripe and rotting fruit.  Lack of discretion is not a good thing. The quest for truth is honorable, but it is seldom the same as the mad rush for convenience. If our society is dedicated to any belief, it is that things need to be easier.  That is not always so.

How often has an organization raised the standards for admission?  I suppose banks do it, but today’s misguided attempts at inclusion have tarnished the reputations of many worthwhile entities.  Frequently, I wonder with George Stephanopoulus, “Where’s the hallowed ground?” There is an attractive discipline to the life well-lived.  That luster is intentionally and industriously achieved. Selfishness mocks self-control and wins most elections. Some by landslides.

The conscience is a precious gift.  It is the internal, moral compass that guides our lives.  While it is not infallible, it is dangerous to disregard. The conscience can be seared- damaged until it doesn’t work anymore.  This is happening today at an alarming rate. Fewer and fewer people accept even baseline morality, let alone more elusive, ethical issues.  The level of corruption in today’s world graduates by the constant redefinition of right and wrong. Everyone loses.

God’s plan is that our consciences work in concert with His revealed Word bringing about lives of peace and righteousness.  This being the case, we will be truly happy. Conscience becomes, not an enemy, but a safeguard in a dangerous world. What is really right doesn’t really change.  No one will ever have perfect understanding, but a sincere desire after righteousness links the conscience with Scripture and the Holy Spirit making us acceptable children in God’s sight.   

We set our lives up well and carefully.  Disposing of what we don’t like, we rearrange the furniture to fit our needs.  Rather than repair the breach, we’ll set the couch in front of it. A rug will cover the stain on the carpet.  If it passes a cursory, visual inspection, it’ll be fine, and who has the right to say otherwise? The rest can wait until tomorrow.  It’s funny though, such new lives don’t change things. We’re still the same we used to be.

Sterl