There is much value in keeping a clear conscience. The greatest value as a Christian is keeping in right standing with God. Then, we have the value of being right with our fellow man. It is also a great way to get a good night’s sleep. Keeping a clear conscience means we are free from the guilt of wrongful attitudes and actions toward others and God.
In II Corinthians 1:12, Paul is rejoicing that he has lived a life of simplicity and truth. He lived a life of openness free of any hidden motives. It was a life that was guided by godly sincerity. He rejoices that he has not taught them from his own ideas and feelings, but he has imparted the wisdom he has gained from God. He has a clear conscience because he has given them the words from God. His conscience was clear before God and them.
II Corinthians 1:12 “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.”
In verse 13 somehow word had gotten to Paul, that some thought he was not sincere in his writings. He wants them to understand that nothing could be further from the truth. Paul could write to them about what they needed to do to be right with God without any apologies. His conscience was clear because he was not asking them to do anything that he was not doing himself. He wanted them to be assured that his motives were in line with God’s design for them.
II Corinthians 1:13 “For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;”
With a clear conscience, Paul reminds them in verse 14 that they are a reason for him to rejoice. He has heard that many are rejoicing in him as their spiritual father and they, as his children. Yet, he is also aware that some haven’t been loyal or following the biblical scriptures and principles he has taught to them. His hope is that they will be as blessed by him as he is with them until the day they all stand before Jesus.
II Corinthians 1:14 “As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul was committed to living a life of integrity and openness before God and man. He mentions in Acts 23:1, that he has lived in good conscience before the council and the brethren until the day he was standing before them. Paul did all he knew to make sure he was a good testimony for Christ. Twenty times in speaking Paul uses the term conscience. There is no doubt Paul had many trials and persecutions, but there is one thing for sure, he lived in such a way that he felt no guilt for the way he had sought to share God’s word. I am sure there were many times he thought about how he had persecuted Christians and even the name of Jesus before his salvation, but after his salvation, his life was spent declaring the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Act 23:1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
This is the life we are to seek. We do this by being open and honest before all men. We must also examine our thoughts constantly to not even think in a way that would be displeasing to God. If we do this often it will keep us from sin, because we must think about it, before it becomes a reality. Keep a clear conscience!
