An assault upon the conscience of man is indicative of the “latter times.” As men depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, their consciences become so weak that they show very little sign of life. The Bible describes it as a searing of their consciences with a hot iron. Initially, there is great pain in the sin and the conscience feels the pain. Yet, eventually, the conscience becomes so seared that it is numb. At that point, the conscience loses its ability to warn the believer of sin. It further loses the ability to get the believer’s attention when he is on the verge of danger. Eventually, men speak lies in hypocrisy and do not care or feel any remorse for their wickedness.
A man’s conscience resides within, yet its expression can be witnessed by others. Because of the testimony of his conscience, Paul rejoiced. According to scripture, that testimony was manifest to the world but especially among the people of God. Those who knew Paul knew that he served the Lord “in simplicity and godly sincerity.” He did not do everything right, but he exhibited a passion of heart to do right in all that he did. No doubt, this was a wonderful example to other believers who looked to Paul for guidance. They saw a man who sincerely loved the Lord and others and also gave every effort possible not to offend either.
Those with a broad understanding of scripture recognize that charity functions as the peak of Christianity (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). Yet, few students consider the fact that a good conscience is mentioned within the same context (1 Timothy 1:5). A good conscience was a key component of Paul’s charge to young Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19). It was also part of Peter’s admonition to the believers to whom he wrote (1 Peter 3:16). In Paul’s own life, it was one of his chief concerns to serve the Lord with a good or a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:3). It may require work, but the early believers saw the importance of putting forth the effort to maintain a good conscience.
Man’s conscience has proven to be one of the most undervalued possessions held by man. The Bible shows that the apostle Paul understood the value of his conscience. He exercised himself to ensure that his conscience was void of offence toward both God and other men. When Paul testified before the council, he could proclaim that he had “lived in all good conscience before God” to that day (Acts 23:1). This did not just happen by chance because Paul described his efforts as exercise (work). It took constant effort. It required willingly denying himself and considering the will of the Lord. The apostle Paul is with the Lord, but the same principles hold true for anyone else who desires the testimony of a good conscience void of offence.
The knowledge of something wrong helps a spiritual person avoid such activity. On the surface, one might fail to distinguish much of a difference between the fruit of knowledge and charity in today’s passage. Both evidently build up the believer. Yet, a closer look reveals the major difference. The Bible says that knowledge “puffeth up.” The idea is that knowledge makes one feel superior and can offer a false strength. Knowledge seems to do the same work as charity, but knowledge without the charity serves as a façade. Charity, however, offers real growth and stability. Unlike knowledge, charity edifieth. Charity not only builds up the believer but also those who associate with that believer. The only way to be edified and the only way to edify others involves seeking the Lord for pure, unadulterated charity.
