The aim of our charge
June 17, 2009
The Apostle Paul gave his protege Timothy a number of charges and exhortations in the two New Testament letters addressed to Timothy. Paul wants Timothy to lead his flock wisely, courageously and virtuously. He offers as something of a thesis statement this marvelous assertion in the opening of his first letter to Timothy:
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith [1 Timothy 1:5].
Love requires personal holiness (a pure heart), honest self-assessment and charitable assessment of others (a good conscience), all of which flows from one’s relationship to God (sincere faith).
- a pure heart: a heart delivered from corrupting idolatries and influences, rather than being dominated by sinful desires;
- a good conscience: a true knowledge of God and a true self-understanding, rather than being deceived by and laden with guilt; and
- a sincere faith: living a God-ward life, receiving his Word and gifts on his terms, rather than living with pretense and hypocrisy.
