Early Warnings

I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Acts 24:16

In Ewa Beach, Hawaii, sits a rather plain-looking white block building with a small ramp leading to the front door. It is unimposing, but what happens within those walls could save thousands of lives. This building houses the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, established in 1949. Its purpose is to continually monitor the Pacific Basin for seismic activity and provide early warning flashes for possible tsunamis.

The human heart also has an early warning system, established in the soul, which continually monitors for the seismic activities of sin in our lives—the conscience. The apostle Paul’s desire was to serve Christ with a pure conscience (2 Timothy 1:3), and we should desire it too.

One man quipped, “Conscience is that still, small voice that is sometimes too loud for comfort.” Are you listening to your conscience? The Bible warns that if we don’t heed this still, small inner voice, it may become seared and defiled (1 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:15). When that happens, it’s like disconnecting the sirens and signals from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

If your conscience is speaking to you about some matter, hear it and heed it!

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.

FRENCH PROVERB