FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE!

FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE!

1 Tim 1:18-20

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

           Combat gear can weigh what seems to be a ton but warriors know that some pieces of equipment are absolutely essential in a fire fight. Mess kits may be abandoned and bed rolls tossed aside until the battle is over but your weapon and sufficient ammo are a must.

           Such was the instruction of Paul to young Timothy. Two pieces of spiritual equipment are essential to “war a good warfare” and those are faith and a good conscience.

           Webster's Dictionary defines the conscience as "the sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action." The word “conscience” is the Greek word suneidesis and means “being aware of your moral condition.”

           The conscience can be “seared” by repeated exposure to the abuse of wrong decisions. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Tim 4:1-2) It is dangerous to ignore your internal alarm! The result is shipwreck.

           Dr. Charles Stanley says that our conscience responds to “programming.” It is formed by input either good or bad. If that is so we must filter and control what we allow into our mind.

Prov 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Dear Lord, I can’t trust my conscience to be my guide. Guide me by Thy Holy Spirit today. AMEN