it can cause us pain. But when properly heeded, it can also reward us with feelings of deep satisfaction and inner peace. It can guide, protect, and motivate us. The Interpreter’s Bible comments: “Mental and emotional health can be preserved only as the individual tries to close the gulf between what he does and what he feels he ought to do.” How can one close that gulf? Is it possible to mold and train our conscience? These questions will be considered in the next article.

How to Train Your Conscience

“A CLEAN conscience is the best pillow.” This old saying highlights an important fact: When we heed our conscience, we enjoy inner peace and harmony.

Not all choose to do so, however. Adolf Hitler declared himself on a mission to liberate man from the degrading chimera, or illusion, known as conscience. His reign of terror provides a chilling glimpse into just how cruel men can be when they repudiate their conscience. No less ruthless, though, are many of today’s violent criminals—those who rape and murder without remorse. Increasing numbers of these perpetrators are of tender years. A book studying this phenomenon thus bore the subtitle Children Without a Conscience.

While most people would never think of committing a violent crime, many have no qualms about engaging in sexual immorality, lying, or cheating. Morals are in a global decline. Referring to the great apostasy from true worship, the apostle Paul wrote that some Christians would give in to the world’s influence and thus become “marked in their conscience as with a branding iron.” (1 Timothy 4:2) The threat of corruption is even greater today during these “last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Christians must therefore take pains to safeguard their conscience. We can do this by training and developing it.

The Mind, the Heart, and Your Conscience

The apostle Paul said: “I am telling the truth in Christ; I am not lying, since my conscience bears witness with me in holy spirit.” (Romans 9:1) The conscience therefore can be a witness bearer. It can examine a course of conduct and either approve or condemn it. Much of our sense of right and wrong has been placed in us by our Creator. Still, our conscience can be molded and trained. How? By our taking in accurate knowledge from God’s Word. “Be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God,” says the apostle Paul. (Romans 12:2) As you implant God’s thoughts and will in your mind, your conscience begins to function in a more godly way.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have helped millions around the world to ‘take in knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.’ (John 17:3) Through their free home Bible study arrangement,