There are probably very few children in this society that cannot sing the famous song. In its context it may have provided a good thought, but when examined by the scrutiny of real life and daily decisions, it simply cannot be the case that we “always let our conscience by our guide.” Can I trust my conscience to guide me in the pathways of righteousness? Or perhaps even more pertinently, am I willing to entrust my soul to nothing more than my conscience? Such are the questions we must ask in examining religious authority in a Jiminy Cricket world.
The conscience itself is not something that is bad. Man’s conscience was included in his creation by God, a creation upon which God looked and determined it to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). If the conscience was a disadvantage to man, then God would not have equipped man with it. God created man perfect and designed for success, but sin changed all of that. Therefore the conscience is an advantageous tool with which man has been blessed that he can use to his success. But that is all a conscience is, a tool. It is a tool that must be used properly and carefully for it to be useful rather than damaging. And if it, like any tool, is used improperly, then it can bring severe consequences that ultimately are punishing to the soul.
Paul on one occasion made a direct reference to his personal conscience and in doing so implied the damage that a “let your conscience be your guide” mentality can wreak. Standing before the Sanhedrin Council to defend his recent activities, Paul said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day” (Acts 23:1). Yes, he had lived in all good conscience as a Christian the last few years, but do not ignore the fullness of his statement. Paul had also lived in all good conscience prior to his life as a Christian when he was involved in some detestable behavior toward those who were disciples of Jesus. On other occasions Paul would refer to that behavior in persecuting, arresting, beating, and even killing Christians. All of that was done “in all good conscience.” And because Paul would look back upon his prior life and condemn those actions it proves the point that the conscience cannot be relied upon as our sole guide in religion. Such a lack of religious authority cannot sustain in a Jiminy Cricket world.
A Jiminy Cricket world is essentially a world in which “anything goes.” It is surprising to see how little conscience is present in society today, illustrated by the various activities in which so many will engage. And knowing the depravity into which society has followed their conscience we have to ask, will the religion into which society follows its conscience be any less depraved? The fact is that true religion is structured. It has bounds and expectations determined not by the followers, but by the Leader. And it is to those bounds and expectations that we must submit, regardless of conscience, if we desire to receive the blessings promised by it. Now, the question remains, to what must we turn as the true source of religious authority and how can we know it is sufficient?
First, notice that Christ clearly stated that there was such a thing as truth and that truth had a capability. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). In what way can man be made free? Christ was contextually referring to a spiritual freedom such as was promised to and through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:1-3). And in the course of discussing the means of that freedom was when Christ made the statement that the means of acquiring that freedom was by knowing truth. Thus, it is first evident that truth does exist in an objective way and that truth can free the soul from the bondage of sin.
Second, notice that later on Christ would identify what truth is. In His prayer for the protection and Divine guidance of His apostles, Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Considering the fact that He is addressing the Father, it is obvious that Christ is stating that the sum of truth is God’s word. What God says is by nature true because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). And it is only proper that the One who can free the soul from bondage be the One who encompasses what truth is. Thus, it is also evident that what God says is objectively true and should be accepted as the standard authority of man.
Then, third, notice that Paul, near the end of his life would make reference to the means by which man might know the truth of God’s word. Addressing Timothy, Paul said, “…and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15). To what did Timothy turn as his source of truth that would provide wisdom unto salvation? Paul said it was contained in the Holy Scriptures, or the Bible. And thus, by drawing all the evidence together, it is seen that truth does exist, God’s word is truth, and the Bible contains that truth—man’s objective standard for religion.
It is sad that the world in which we live refuses to recognize or accept Divine authority. They view it as a threat to their “right” to absolute depravity. They want to live in filth and sin, and Divine authority hinders that. They want a Jiminy Cricket religion to “have their cake and eat it too.” But we must recognize and accept true religious authority if we are to spiritually survive in this Jiminy Cricket world.