JUN 3

1 Timothy 1:18-20
Memorise Proverbs 21:2
“The heart is deceitful above all things…who can know it?”

Paul exhorts Timothy to first hold on to his faith – the truths of the Word. Then, to have a good conscience which is based on and aligned with the Word of God. A good conscience stems from one’s understanding of the Bible. It’s not merely about sincerity. An ignorant albeit sincere conscience is not a good one in the eyes of the Lord. In fact, Paul warns Timothy that there were some who had put away their faith based consciences, and what resulted was a ‘shipwreck’ of their lives! They had veered off course, and this ended only in a tragic life of sin in bondage to Satan.

Our conscience is like an inbuilt detector, that small little voice that is sensitive to what is right and wrong. At best, it is our moral compass that guides us to do good and to shun evil. However, we must realize that it does not exist in isolation nor form on its own accord – it is subjected to and influenced by our relationships, environments and upbringing. It is also so easily corrupted and rationalised by our sinful heart. The conscience can be unreliable and changeable, fooling us into thinking that we are doing right when in fact we are not. Is your conscience on all matters the same as your friend’s? Who is right then? 

Therefore, you cannot rely on your conscience alone, but a conscience that is anchored in faith and in the truths of the Bible. As you study the Word more and grow as a Christian, your conscience will lead you to become ever more sensitive to sin. Do you find this the case? Reflect upon your growth as a Christian. Are there sins that you committed and did not think was wrong at the time, but now in the light of Scripture realise that they were actually so? And as you become more sensitive to sin, do you follow your conscience or act against it?

Thought: Why do you think King David did not recognise himself when Nathan told him the story of the rich man who stole from the poor man? (2 Samuel 12)
Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)