1 Timothy 3:9
“They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
I know this verse is about the qualifications of deacons in the church, but it is more. No man or woman should read 1 Timothy 3 and say, “I am not bound to these.” Just a few principles from this list includes: Respectable, truthful, self-controlled, honest with money, and helpful to others. None of us would dare say that we don’t aspire to these.
Our reading today notes especially that he must have a “clear conscience.” “A clear conscience” means he is not merely saying that he believes, but how he lives agrees with what he believes. He can look at his conduct and know that he is not deliberately living contrary to his faith.
When Jesus first saw Nathanael, He said, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” That is a clear conscience. In simple words, he is one who was as good as his word.
Prayer: Lord, help me believe Your word, and keep a clear conscience with nothing to hide.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.