2nd Corinthians 1:12-24
FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE In the Christian life there often comes the pressure to act unwisely or retaliate inappropriately when we feel we are being unfairly criticized. The flattery of people is probably more dangerous to us in the long run of things, but our pride and ego may be injured when unfounded charges are laid against us. There is no need to fall under such pressures, because we have been supplied by our gracious Father with all we need to overcome such things. We have the comfort of God, who is the God of all comfort. In whatever circumstances Paul found Himself, God was there to meet his need, and He is our God also.
Paul could live in good conscience because by God's grace, his exemplary behavior was known in the world generally and by the Corinthian believers specifically. One's conscience when we live our lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, enables us to be a person who can be trusted. The word "conscience" (with knowledge) means that we are not left without understanding as to what we should be doing and how we should be doing it. The integrity of a person of faith and good conscience is evident to all who are around. To challenge the integrity of a trusted person, is usually the work of one who wants to cover up something they know to be wrong about themselves. There may be reason to be cautious about a person unknown to us. Words a person may say or teach need to be weighed on the scale of one's reputation and the integrity displayed over a lifetime. Some people are gifted speakers and the things they teach may seem to be superior to what we have heard from others we know. However, words without the weight of experience or a life of integrity to back them up, will lead to division, discontent and dismay among God's people.
When the apostle changed his plans in regard to coming to Corinth, the carnal believers there charged him with not being a man of his word. A change of plans is not necessarily a sign of deception or carelessness. It may have been the result of something having to be done that had a priority over what was the original intention. Holiness and sincerity as a pattern of life of one of God's children, shows itself in the words they speak and the deeds they do. If a person is historically unreliable and unstable, then we have reason to doubt their word. But if the manner of life of a person is consistently lived before the Lord and the people, and a change has to come, it is not right for us to question that person's integrity. When critical situations arise, we need to be able to adapt to them with a good conscience and faith in God to direct our actions.
Sometimes critical situations arise when help is needed but not wanted. Worldly wisdom may make an impression and seem so logical, but that is not what is needed. A spiritual person knows when to be quiet and when to speak. When something has to be said and some correction to be made, the way we speak is often as important, and maybe more important, as what we have to say. To speak truth with gracious words and without a critical spirit has a positive impact on those to whom the words are directed. Transparency and reality without a critical attitude, often is what is needed to correct a wrong. To follow or spread rumors, to repeat gossip and come up with a list of "what ifs," is often the way people deal with things or people they don't like. We need to live each day in the light of the Lord's return and we will not be in situations where we have to make up excuses for ourselves.
God's will always supersede the plans we make. When we are willing to abandon our plans in light of what we learn to be God's plans, we will have a clear conscience even though our plans are changed. Every wise believer will want God's will and wants to be doing it when the Lord comes. That incentive will keep us serious about the ministry in which we are involved, and committed to doing God's will. Our desire to do this should keep us from being at the wrong place, and saying and doing the wrong things.
Paul was not a man given to indecision. His "yes" meant yes, and his "no" meant no. But there came extenuating circumstances in which his plans had to be changed. When those times come, we need to evaluate what the real purpose behind a matter is. People may criticize and complain, and say you are not to be trusted if there has to be a change of plans. However, we have not solved a problem if we only deal with the symptoms without finding out the real cause of a problem and the purpose behind a criticism. Waiting for an appropriate time is not procrastination. It is wisdom to determine what the big picture of a matter is. The whole point of Paul's delay in going to Corinth was that they would be ready to listen to his correction and take it because they were ready for it, and that glory would be brought to the Lord Jesus Christ by the results that would be forthcoming. We need to consider the most appropriate way to deal with things and select the best possible time to act.
It is useless for us to waste our time trying to defend ourselves against criticism when people do not even know or seek to know, nor understand the work we do and the actions we take to do it. If people honestly want to know the reasons we do or don't do certain things, they will come and ask us. If they have made their minds up already, and don't want to be confused by the truth, they won't understand our reasons because they don't want to. The affirmation principle will keep us consistent and in fellowship with God - and that is what really counts.
The gracious Holy Spirit has sealed us, secured us as one of those who belong to God. He has anointed us, designated a specific purpose we are to fulfill, that the ministry we have received will be accomplished and established in a way pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve God in the right way by the gifts and strength He give us to do a work beyond our natural capacity. It is very important that we stand firm in faith and a good conscience in our commitment to the Lord, no mater what pressure people may put on us. We live for, and serve, a living Master and His will overrides any complaints or criticisms others may make. If we remain true to His will, we will be kept from falling into snares, doubts, failure and sin.
It is not uncommon, Father, to be misunderstood by men. But by Thy grace and mercy, help me not to criticize them. May it be my greatest pleasure to follow Thy revealed will. In that way I won't be moved, though others may question me still.
It is not unknown by me, Father, to want to do things my way. But please grant to Thy servant, the ability to hear what You say. May I never allow self-will to control my words and my actions. So that in every place Thou dost call me, I will labor to Thy satisfaction.
It is not very strange, Father, for pressures and temptations to come. But when they come to surround me, give me strength to resist each one. May I not give place for a moment to anything that dishonors Thee. So that in life's journey and daily walk; Thou wilt be glorified in me.
It is not unusual, Father, for challenges to be made against truth. But give Thy feeble servant the wisdom, to plainly declare the worth Of righteousness, holiness and justice, so that truth will put on display. So that the skeptics who mock Thee will see, their arguments in disarray.
It is not unheard of, Father, that Thy children sometimes falter and fail. But give to me this day, Father, the strength to do well what Thy work does entail. May each action, each conversation, have some benefit that some needs meet. So that the result of all we do here, brings some lost one salvation to seek.
"Bless Thy word, O Father, in all the activities of this day. There is much being done in Thy name. May it all have divine sanction. And may the words Thou hast for me to speak, be given in love, power and grace, as guided by the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."