The Evidence of a Good Conscience

UV 788/10,000 The Evidence of a Good Conscience For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 2 Corinthians 1 v 12 The conscience is the echo of the higher law of God. When we live our lives with simplicity and sincerity towards God and man, our consciences will testify to the grace of God working in our lives. Paul was glad in his heart that he had lived and behaved with complete integrity and truth towards the believers in all the places he ministered. He did not exploit their faith for his gain but he lived a simple and godly life giving credit always to the grace of God. He was completely dependent on the grace of God even as he lived independent of people by earning his livelihood through tent-making. The result was that he lived an impactful life. The Word of God amplifies the voice of our conscience, goading us to do what we need to do and guiding us on the paths we should take and warning us of the ones we should avoid. When we live our lives in integrity in accordance with our conscience and the Word, there will be a rejoicing in our hearts. We do not act with the wisdom of the world but with the grace that the Lord provides. The wisdom of the world would prompt a person to think on how he or she can gain from every person he or she ministers to. This is one of the pitfalls of those who are in ministry and it makes their lives complicated and sullies their consciences. Instead, our conscience like that of St. Paul’s should commend itself to the Holy Spirit and to those we minister to. The Lord delights in simplicity and sincerity of faith. He pours His grace and favour on such as these. He has often told me, “ You are simple in the profession of your faith and do not act as many do with outward signs of piety and airs of spiritual superiority.” When we remember the extent of our indebtedness to our God and Redeemer, we will stay meek and simple. We cannot afford the luxury of a single boastful thought except that we had done our best to live according to the dictates of our conscience and the Word. Simplicity and sincerity will be the hallmark of our faith and its expression. Prateep V Philip