I realise it's been a while since this post but wanted to reply in case it is read at some point. It is very true that our conscience is seared the more we do our own thing, it's one of the principles of life, the more we rebel against God the harder our hearts get. But I also believe and have known God's mercy in that even the slightest step toward Him even the smallest turn of our heart toward Him He does respond to, and for those in bondage of any kind God knows how hard that can be and He honors every single effort we make to honor Him within our circumstances. For He does not willingly bring affliction on the sons of men.
I also believe when we do not respond to God it is because we do not know God in some way sometimes. Whether it is out of fear, laziness or selfishness or whatever, when we do not respond it can be because of a lack of knowledge, not always but that is partly what my experience has been.
