1 Timothy 1:18-19a Clear Conscience

Timothy, my dear child, I am placing before you a charge for the mission ahead. It is in total agreement with the prophecies once spoken over you. Here it is: with God's message stirring and directing you, fight the good fight, armed with faith and good conscience.

Observation

This message about the mission of The Lord being a battleground, is not the only one of its kind that Paul gives the Ephesians Church. He gives a very descriptive example of what it means to armor up for the spiritual battle that we are engaged in (see Ephesians 6). This message, however, is personal as if to encourage Timothy specifically. Timothy's leadership is challenged, and Paul reminds Timothy to draw his strength from the mission and message of Christ. That it would not be men's wisdom that would direct Timothy, but the mission and message from God that would direct him.

Paul instructs Timothy to be equipped at all times with faith and a clear conscience. I find it interesting that Paul tells Timothy to be armed with a clear conscience, because he doesn't reference a clear conscience when he speaks of the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6. I wonder if a clear conscience is necessary equipment for the battle when you are a leader, and that is why Paul mentions it here and not in other places. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it ;).

Application

I see the absolute value in being armed with a clear conscience. I will make decisions based specifically on keeping a clear conscience alone. I have learned some of the tactics of the enemy, and messing with my conscience is one of them. For example, If I stay home from work because I'm tired, and not because I have specifically heard that direction from God, I'm wracked with guilt and condemnation about it all day. If I don't do something that I should probably do, even if no one else sees it as a big deal, or if everyone else is understanding, if I have based my decision on how I feel and not on the mission and will of God, I become open season for the enemy in my mind. 

Prayer

Father, I desire that everything I do be directed by Your mission stirring in me. Keep me instep with You, armed with faith and a clear conscience. Thank You Lord.