Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear people
By tearing into the rot last evening that needs repair on our creekside deck, I have locked myself into a project that I’d better finish right away—since we have guests coming tomorrow. I’m going to change into my work duds and get busy.
Blessings on your day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Paul testifies to a condition of his mind and conscience that I believe few humans ever come to experience—a clear conscience. He is quick to add that his clear conscience is not necessarily a guarantee of perfection and innocence. But I really believe that such a condition of heart and mind will go a very long way toward giving a person protection, poise, and peace amidst the struggles of life.
I know one thing for sure—if I were to surrender my conscience to the control and manipulation of other people, I would quickly become a psychological basket case. I am stabilized by my understanding of who I am and to Whom I am ultimately accountable. That’s what Paul means when he says, “It is the Lord who judges me.” Furthermore, I believe that A HEART AFTER GOD automatically sets up my disciple’s communication service account with an “APP” or connection to the Lord’s flawless surveillance system that prods my motivation to keep my conscience clear. Why would I want to violate my conscience connection when I know it is my God-given built-in warning system against displeasing my Lord?—the One Whom I have chosen to love above all else, and to Whom I am accountable?
There is some very important information and instruction given here. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God” (4:5)—or His rebuke—or worse.
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19), he offers this young man some guidance and injects a serious warning that can benefit all of us. “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction…fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.”
I trust you will agree—you don’t want your faith to be a shipwreck!