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A PURE CONSCIENCE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
2 Corinthians 1:12-14
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
 
“… that in simplicity and
godly sincerity …”
 
A PURE CONSCIENCE
 
There is a proverb in the Chinese Church which says, “When God works, Satan also works.” So it is the case for the Apostle Paul. Despite his good work for the Lord among the Corinthians, there were those who still opposed him and attacked his integrity. Some of these false teachers and brethren accused him of being deceptive and manipulative. They pointed to Paul’s change of plans to visit Corinth as possible evidence that he was untrustworthy and devious. These were outrageous and outlandish accusations – fake news!
 
Paul’s answer was to appeal to an objective assessment of how he had conducted himself in the ministry of the Lord. He declared that the witness of his conscience before God was pure. He had always conducted himself in “simplicity and godly sincerity” (2 Cor 1:12). The term “simplicity” (haplotēti) points to Paul’s singleness of purpose and devotion to the cause of Christ. On the other hand, “sincerity” (eilikrineia) speaks of Paul’s motives being pure before the Lord. He was confident that he would be vindicated when he gave his account in the day of the Lord Jesus (2 Cor 1:14). He was indeed a workman approved unto God.
 
One proof of his sincerity is seen in how he did not serve in “fleshly wisdom” (2 Cor 1:12). He did not serve according to worldly philosophies, neither did he engage in sin nor in fulfilment of his lusts, but he conducted every aspect of his ministry according to the truth of God’s Word. His life is an example of holiness and Christ-likeness. He was blameless in the sight of man and God.
 
When we serve the Lord, we too must serve in the integrity of our heart, “providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor 8:21). Be like Paul who always strived to be accountable to the Lord. Do not be like the false accusers. Despite their protestations against Paul, they were in fact the ones who served in hypocrisy to fulfil their lusts. Serve with a pure conscience before God.
 
THOUGHT: How important is a pure conscience to you?
PRAYER: Father, may I serve Thee with clean hands and a pure heart.

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