The second influence that motivates us to obey God is conscience. The conscience is that faculty of human nature which "knows to refuse evil and choose good"(Isa 7:15-16).
The boy spoken of in the passage above has the same human nature as all human beings. You will notice that it would take some time for this boy to grow from a new born baby to a boy able to know right from wrong. However a time would come when his conscience had learned enough to know the difference, and to make choices accordingly.
Conscience imparts to the human being a sense of "ought" which we sometimes jokinglly refer to as the little man on your shoulder who whispers in your ear. It is really a part of your inner self, influencing you to obey God and to refuse evil.
Lesson Outline
The Little Man on Your Shoulder Can Help You Obey God
Conscience leads us to baptism"the answer of a good conscience toward God"(1Pe 3:21)
Conscience is then cleansed by the blood of Christ, "Our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience"--guilt is removed (Heb 10:22).
Conscience supports faith We continue "keeping the faith and a good conscience". Our faith and obedience toward God are encouraged by the constant influence of a conscience well instructed by God (1Tm 1:19)
Conscience Can Fail
Consciences is not the final judge. "I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted, but the one who examines me is the Lord"(1Co 4:4)
For example, there will be people on judgment day who will find their consciences have failed (Mtt 7:21-23)
Conscience can be misguided, as with Paul (Acts 26:9)
Conscience can be defiled(Tit 1:15-16)
Conscience may be morbid as with Judas who hanged himself (Mtt 27:3-5)
Conscience can be seared--it can become insensitive (1Tm 4:1-2)
Conscience can be made ineffective, and when people do that to their conscience by persistent rebellion, "it is impossible to renew them to repentance"(Heb 6:4-6)
Seeking a Good Conscience
The conscience needs teaching to "understand what the will of the Lord is"(Eph 5:17).
The conscience is a 'muscle' needing good food and exercise. "For everyone who partakes of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice, have their senses trained to discern good and evil"(Heb 5:13-14).
So we should seek the fruits of the Spirit and "walk by the Spirit" rather than following the passions and desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16-26).