The goal of instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. — 1 Timothy 1:5
What is a “conscience”? It’s a biblical term that runs throughout Scripture, especially used in the “Pastoral Letters” (1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus), which contain instructions for church leaders. It refers to the inner voice we hear offering moral guidance of some sort.
But where does that voice come from? If it’s the voice of God, why do some have a “weak conscience” (1 Corinthians 8:12) and others a “corrupted” one (Titus 1:15)?
I think our conscience can be God’s indirect voice. It comes from taking Scripture seriously, studying it by yourself and in a group. It comes from prayerful reflection from that study. And it especially comes from letting Scripture direct our lives as we focus on justice, compassion, and humility.
Maybe in this way our conscience is like a good trainer in the gym. When you’ve regularly and seriously worked out for years, you instinctively know what’s the right way to do an exercise and benefit from it. And when you’ve lived deeply with Scripture, and have lived it out with your brothers and sisters, you find an inner voice that is “good” and “clear” instead of one that’s weak and corrupted.
Blessings and prayers for each of you on your journey with the Bible’s “instruction.” May we all not just train our conscience, but find a purer heart and more sincere faith along the way.