August 27, 2021 A GOOD CONSCIENCE
1 Timothy 1:18b-19 “that by them you may fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regards to their faith.”
It is a healthy mindset to know that we too could suffer shipwreck in regards to our faith. We cannot ‘coast’ on our spiritual journey, or be lackadaisical concerning our spiritual health and wellbeing. One indisputable fact is that we have a good fight to fight-every day; obviously, the inference is that we can be fighting the wrong fight. There are many wrong fights to fight; for example, we could be fighting to attain more wealth so that we can have what we want; or we could be fighting to gain popularity….or whatever. It would be a sad day to reach the end of our life and look back over the life we lived and realize that we gave our time and attention and energy to fighting the wrong battles, and that we were focused on the wrong things. However, the good news is that we can spend the remainder of our days fighting the good fight and keeping a good conscience. What is more valuable than a good conscience? The good fight is about having a faith in God that keeps our attention and focus on living as unto Him-not unto our ways. God has given us many wonderful, life-giving commands and instructions in His word, and by hearing and obeying His words, a good conscience is assured. It’s a real ‘street’ fight-a fight in the trenches. God does not zap us with victory; victory comes as we win the fights. We may be looking for the big fight, and miss the real fight. Many fights we fight are about what may appear as small things; such as my response and attitude toward my spouse and those closest to me; what I choose to let in the eye gate and ear gate; honoring and blessing others; speaking the truth; encouraging those who need it; meeting pressing needs; having a giving spirit; being diligent; keeping my word…and etc. In a summary way, we can say that to fight the good fight is about continually choosing to walk according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh. We must remember that God has called us, made us new, and has given us the Holy Spirit; He has equipped us for all circumstances in life and has made us overcomers; the good fight is about living out who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 6:11-13, 16 “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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