1 Timothy 1:5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.”
Paul wrote 1 Timothy to “my child in the faith,” as he states in 1 Timothy 1:2. Paul wrote to give Timothy encouragement and instruction concerning issues in the church, such as false teachings and how Christians are to behave. He told Timothy to command whatever is contrary to the truth found in Scriptures and trivial and divisive myths to stop because that does not promote God’s work – which is by faith. Paul continually emphasizes that behavior should be shaped by living out the gospel. One’s beliefs and behavior should go hand in hand. Our faith should show a continual growth in holiness, from having a pure heart, as Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:22, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” What are the values that you model- what does that look like?
Paul admonished Timothy to have a good conscience. 1 Peter 3:16 states, “Having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” Honesty, having strong moral principles, trustworthiness, ethics are all definitions of integrity and are closely related to having a good conscience. Job was described as a man of integrity; he never gave up despite feeling discouraged, despairing, and not understanding his hard circumstances. His confidence in God carried him through. There is a quote from basketball coach John Wooden that applies: “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
The question I must ask myself before my head hits the pillow: How is my life reflecting and living out the gospel? What did I do correctly, and what should I have not done in my reactions, tendencies, and statements I made? What sin needs to be confessed? Has there been any anger, resentment, or offensive behavior restricting worshipping God in my prayers to Him?
Next question – Do I have a clear conscience, or have I said or done some things that I am guilty of not showing love by valuing people I interacted with today? How did I pursue self-control, righteousness, faith, love, and peace? That seems to be my challenge currently. Therefore, did I allow the enemy a seat at my table? Guard your heart and mind with God’s truth. The enemy will try to convince you that someone else has it better than you do. You are not good enough. You are not smart enough. You are never going to make it! However, never doubt the character of God. Psalm 23:4a declares, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
J.B. Phillips New Testament states it this way of 1 Timothy 1:5-7, “The ultimate aim of the Christian minister is to produce the love which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience and a genuine faith. Some seem to have forgotten this and to have lost themselves in endless words. They want a reputation as teachers of the Law, yet they fail to realize the meaning of their own words, still less of the subject they are so dogmatic about.” Words hold power. It is one thing to know the Word of God, and it is another to live it out. Before your head hits the pillow tonight, make sure you have a good conscience, and your values are being lived out in your faith in Christ alone. This will take a lifetime to pursue and perfect as you remain steadfast and abide in God’s presence, protection, and provision, one day at a time. Love others due to having a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith that is genuine.
Listen to Casting Crowns Desert Road (Lyrics) 1/14/2022