12 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 toward you.

2 Corinthians 1:12

Paul describes the ‘spirit’ in which he delivers the message of God to the Corinthians. Rejoice in the testimony of God in your life. Your conscience is your inner intuition that ‘impels’ us to right or wrong. By this statement, I believe Paul is stating that he is rejoicing in the testimony that is in agreement with God. When in agreement, we are confident of His good work. We are joyful in our choices. We are satisfied in our minds and hearts that our intuition is more than a simple thought of whimsical good. It is God’s direction that we have:

• Recognized
• Understood
• Conveyed

 When we are communing with God, our heart speaks with the voice of Jesus within us. It is clear and concise. It is not complicated and it is only through the grace of God.

Sincerity:

“Sincerity in Greek implies the non-admixture of any foreign element. He [Paul] had no sinister or selfish aims…” A.R. Fausset (BlueLetterBible) 

The satisfaction of our testimony rises out of a sincere heart. We can rejoice because we are clear that the core of our testimony is from God. We are clear it is not self-centered. We are clear it is not mixed with ulterior motives. Our wisdom through God precedes all rejoicing. be secure in your words and know your heartfelt words are from a deeper wisdom of which the source is not of the world, but of God, Himself. The hierarchy of our testimony release:

• God
• His Wisdom
• Our Understanding of Him
• Our Conveyance of the Testimony of this Understanding

What is our rejoicing, actually? It is the joy we feel when we are praising God. We have edified Him and we know it. We have a right conscience and a sincere heart. These are two litmus tests that we can use on ourselves to test our motives.

The message is to convey a simple message to the world and to individuals, as well. Be self-aware which will happen when you are communing with God in a deeper, personal relationship. He searches our hearts and shines His light in our dark places. As we seek Him,  He will reveal who we are, what are motives are, and guide us so that we may rejoice because we have edified Him to the world. There is no better place to be than in God’s will. It is a selfless place and all of our heart is one with Jesus. That is not worldly – that is the grace of God.

So, edify Him today. Seek deep in your heart and read the Bible. His word. His wisdom permeates our stubborn nature and humbly we can be sincere. This can be through words, a hug, a conveyance of hope, or a demonstration of our faith. Above all, however, it is our love – actually His love that we have been given by grace. Seek to know this love. Seek to know and understand Him. I pray I have now. I rejoice and my conscience is clear. Praise God.

Rick

Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011