The Cost of an Accusing Conscience

We sometimes see men of much promise who move ahead in life so far and then seemingly fail to fulfill their full promise. We often see men who, from all outward indications, would seem to have much that makes for happiness, incentive, and purpose, but who nevertheless lapse into listlessness, unrest, and even into deep despondency. Something happens, the cause of which may not always be apparent to the casual observer, but the retarding results of which are unmistakably apparent. Of course, there are many possible reasons why men fail to fulfill the full promise of their powers and possibilities. For some it is ill health; for some, discrimination by others; for some it is miscasting, being forced by circumstances to labor too long in work for which they are not fitted; for some it is too much responsibility too soon, too heavy a burden that breaks the back or the spirit before it has been fully seasoned; for some it is the misfortune of losing loved ones; for some the faithlessness of friends. There are many more reasons that might be mentioned. But among the frequent influences that keep men from full effectiveness are those that involve matters of conscience. Many men have learned to live reasonably content with physical illness; many have become philosophical even concerning the infidelity of friends; many have become reconciled to the grief that comes with the loss of loved ones. But none can live at peace with an accusing conscience. The unrest that comes with an inner accusation or with the shadowing fear of impending disgrace cuts more cruelly than physical failure or the faithlessness of friends. With a clear conscience a man can face any accuser or any combination of accuser, including even a hostile public opinion. But without a clear conscience he cannot even face himself or his loved ones. The purchase price of such peace of mind may be high, but it is always a bargain, for we must have it to attain full effectiveness and happiness in life. It belongs to those who have earned the right to live free of the fear or any outward or inward accusation.