Ask Your Preacher
One's Conscience
Thursday, May 30, 2019Any recommended Bible verses about believing in yourself and your ability to make the best and right decision? And trusting your inner self and goodness? Sincerely,
Inner Compass
Dear Inner Compass,
Ironically, the Bible is full of verses on that topic, but they all say the opposite. God tells us that we shouldn’t trust ourselves to direct our paths. Jer 10:23 says that man will fail if he tries to run his life without God’s direction – we can’t trust our own wisdom. Pr 21:2 says that we all think that we are doing the right thing, even the axe-murderer rationalizes his behavior… but obviously, just because we believe we are doing the right thing, that doesn’t mean we are. We should have no confidence in our flesh (Php 3:3); all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).
So, if we shouldn’t believe in our own abilities, and we shouldn’t trust ourselves – what should we do? Pr 1:7 says that all wisdom begins with fearing God. When we humble ourselves before God and accept His Bible – we can confidently live by faith. When we throw away our confidence in the old man and latch onto the teachings of the Lord, we put on a new man that finds confidence in God (Col 3:5-10). SB