Commentary: Let your conscience be your guide

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Crist
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant
RAF Mildenhall, England --  "A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to. That's just the trouble with the world today," as stated by Jiminy Cricket in the Disney Co. movie, "Pinocchio."

When I think of a mentor or role model one image that comes to mind is Jiminy Cricket.

Although Jiminy Cricket's lessons are primarily aimed at children, they are simple and still relevant. Indeed ignoring your conscience (almost always the first inner voice you hear) is what brings a lot of people into my office. Your conscience may be telling you, "maybe I shouldn't drive," "I probably shouldn't use this drug," or "I should keep my mouth shut." Your conscience is there talking to you and guiding you exactly where you need to be, but instead of listening to it, you hit the mute button.

So just why does the conscience lose out? According to the wise little cricket, temptations are the wrong things that seem right at the time, and I would have to agree. Maybe those temptations are telling you, "I only had a few drinks, I'm fine," "I probably won't get selected for a urinalysis," "I know he/she is married but no one will find out," "I'm too tired to work out," or  "This is a great buy - I can't pass this up."  So, you ignore your conscience and you give into the temptation that Jiminy warned you about and now "you need to go see the shirt."

I venture to say that while sitting in the first sergeant's office your conscience kicks in yet again and once more temptation wins over, so you start the meeting with what you believe to be a really good lie, convincing yourself that others are falling for it. 

The reality is it would be easier for you to listen and follow your conscience; the advice it is giving you is spot on and will make life easier for you in the long run. 

Let's get back to basics with the simple, yet very valuable lesson that Jiminy taught you when you were just a kid and, "Remember (your name here): Be a good [Airman].  And always let your conscience be your guide."