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“For our boasting is this:the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)
No one should ever have to appeal to the testimony of his conscience. However, anyone with strong convictions like Paul will not be able to avoid it. Unfortunately, those who stand for something will make enemies, and these enemies will try to assassinate their character.
So we find Paul, this extremely controversial character, again on trial. Paul’s most admirable trait, right or wrong, was always to be true to himself. (Acts 23:1) Our conscience simply is a moral governor. It must be properly instructed to be in harmony with God. Sincerity alone does not imply faultlessness.
So where is the boasting? How can Paul appeal to his conscience? Because, by being true to himself, Paul has tried to be true to God. When our conscience convicts, we may need to change. When we are acquitted it gives us strength to continue. Sometimes under the scrutiny of others the approval of our conscience is the only thing that brings gladness.
How does one obtain such a conscience? Paul lists several things here. First, “simplicity” implies that one has no ulterior or double motives. Second, in “godly sincerity” suggests trustworthiness and integrity. Third, when one is not motivated by “fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God” they are not promoting themselves, but God.
With such character one may be calm in the midst of the storm of slander and persecution. When one is called upon to take action against others, by knowing one is right, one can survive the onslaught of criticism. Ultimately, one is strengthened when he feels he has God's approval.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting”. (Psalms 139:23,24)
George Slover
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