Accusing Conscience – Sunday, March 30, 1947
We often see men of much promise who move ahead in life so far and then seemingly fail to fulfil their 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 fulfil 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 seasoned for such stress; for some it is the misfortune of losing loved ones; for some the faithlessness of friends. And many more reasons might be mentioned. But among the frequent influences that retard men in realizing their full effectiveness are those that involve matters of conscience. Men have often learned to live reasonably content with physical illness or handicap; 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 other sorrows that befall us. With a clear conscience a man can face any accuser or any combination of accusers, 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 of any outward or inward accusation.
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station K S L and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, March 30, 1947. 11.30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, EST. Copyright 1947.
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March 30, 1947
Broadcast Number 0,919