It’s funny the things that we believe. I am often amazed, amused and alarmed at what some people believe the Bible teaches.

For instance, "God helps those who help themselves." Not found in the Bible. Not a biblical concept. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite: God helps those who realize that they are helpless, and that they need a savior.

I’ve heard many other statements attributed to the Bible: "Cleanliness is next to godliness." "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." And then there is my all-time favorite. "Let your conscience be your guide."

I know many people who quote Jiminy Cricket’s line to say that they will listen to their conscience, and follow their heart. Yes, that’s correct. That quote does not come from the Bible but from the lips of Jiminy Cricket. It’s a fun story, but not a source of true theology.

In fact, this line is far removed from what the Bible says. Consider the words from Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

Do you get that? The prophet says that we cannot trust our hearts. Our hearts will lead us astray. Our consciences can be seared to the point that we will justify all kinds of behavior.

We are living in a time when a philosophy known as "relativism" has taken center stage in so many lives. You confront that philosophy when you hear someone say, "Well, that may be true for you, but it’s not true for me." No. The fact is if something is true, it is true.

We believe that in science. The law of gravity is always true. Other laws of physics always apply. But the fact is that God’s moral laws do not change either.

Don’t let your conscience be your guide. It will lead you astray. Rather, let God’s word guide you. It will always take you where you need to go.