“For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward” (2 Corinthians 1:12).
TEXT — 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Message
These days, almost everything can be faked. Some fakes look so real that it is difficult to differentiate them from the original. However, there is always something that makes an original unique. In this regard, John Mason, an author and minister, observed that “an original is hard to find but easy to recognize.”
Apostle Paul was original. In today’s text, he provides proof of his spiritual integrity. The apostle wrote this second epistle to the church in Corinth partly to refute some unfounded allegations and slander against his person. Some persons in the church had insinuated that the apostle was unreliable for not keeping his promise of visiting them. Refuting the accusation, he rejoiced because his conscience witnessed right intentions and actions. He pointed out that their conduct and lifestyle had been characterised by “simplicity and godly sincerity” and not by the cunningness and duplicity of the carnal man who the Holy Spirit does not govern.
In this text, we find certain qualities that authenticate the genuineness of Christian living, namely, simplicity and godly sincerity. A faithful Christian lives an uncomplicated, straightforward life. He harbours no dark motives. He does not indulge in suspicious or questionable dealings. A genuine Christian is so plain-hearted that he would not be motivated by self-interest nor allow a guilty conscience to stick around for long. It is an aberration, though common these days, to find professing believers whose lifestyles and comportment fall far short of these yardsticks. Such professors have not appropriated God’s saving grace to themselves to enable them to live the overcoming life.
God wants us to be authentic in our profession of faith. He frowns at pretence and duplicity, which are marks of worldly wisdom. It is hazardous to fake Christianity because there is eternal damnation at the end of the line. It will serve you better to assess your conviction, commitment, and conduct to see how you measure on the spiritual integrity scale. The grace of God is still available to everyone who penitently comes to Him (by faith) for pardon, cleansing, restoration, and renewal.
Thought for the day
There is no higher certificate than a gospel-enlightened and approving conscience.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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