An Educated Conscience | Stephen R. Covey | May 1975
Mar 19, 2025
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Stephen R. Covey, an influential Associate Professor at Brigham Young University, highlights the significance of cultivating an educated conscience. He clarifies the distinctions between the Spirit of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, emphasizing their roles in spiritual communication. Covey discusses the Ten Commandments as essential guidelines for personal growth and moral understanding. He shares insights on how the light of Christ influences human morality and encourages active faith beyond church involvement, urging listeners to deepen their connection with God through introspection and personal revelation.
An educated conscience, shaped by biblical commandments, enables individuals to better recognize divine guidance and make moral choices.
Practicing principles like scripture study and sincere prayer fosters a responsive conscience, enhancing one's ability to act on spiritual promptings.
Deep dives
Understanding Conscience and Commandments
The speech emphasizes the importance of having an educated conscience, which is shaped by adherence to God's commandments. For individuals outside of the Church, following the moral principles represented by the Ten Commandments can guide them toward a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. Members of the Church, on the other hand, are urged to keep not only these fundamental commandments but also the covenants they have made through gospel ordinances. This more educated conscience allows members to recognize their identity, responsibilities, and the need for personal commandments as they strive to live in accordance with divine guidance.
The Role of the Holy Ghost
The distinction between the Spirit of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost is a key point, where the former is described as the guiding light present in all creation. The Holy Ghost serves unique functions, such as providing personal revelation, confirming covenants, and exercising the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is through a well-educated conscience that individuals receive direction from the Holy Ghost, aiding them in making life choices and leading them closer to Christ. The speaker encourages listeners to listen for, and act on, the subtle promptings of their conscience as a means of receiving personal guidance.
Educating Your Conscience
To cultivate an educated conscience, the speaker offers five practical principles: consistently study the scriptures, engage in earnest prayer, commit to obeying spiritual promptings, keep those commitments, and report on one's stewardship. By committing to these practices, individuals can foster a sensitive and responsive conscience that guides them through temptations and moral challenges. The speaker underscores the transformative power of following divine promptings, which can lead to significant personal growth and ethical clarity. Ultimately, he stresses that the whispers of the Holy Ghost are always available to those who sincerely seek to align their lives with God's will.
When the Holy Ghost communicates with us, it takes a practiced and educated conscience to recognize what it is communicating. Click here to see the speech page.