Likened by Larry Perry

1 Timothy 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

There is something special about the number 3. It points to the trinity of God and reminds us that we are made in three parts, as God is three parts, and created in His image.

Here with the reminder that our aim is love which is an issue that comes from within us, we see three. A pure heart, the dwelling place of Christ. A good conscience, the human mind conditioned by behavior. Then sincere faith which is that connection between the other two creating unity and agreement.

It is important to remember that this is in fact an aim. Much has been said in the past about looking at sin as our aim at perfection and missing the mark by either a little or altogether. That is an analogy which some tend to use to help them focus on keeping a clear conscience which is not the same as a good conscience.

A good conscience is in agreement with the pure heart at the direction of sincere faith. They all work together. The mind which is flesh is subject to many sensory impressions and worldly influences. Those things tend to scream at us trying to hinder us from hearing the still small voice of faith.

This is not a character flaw. God created us with free will. We must choose to love God above all these worldly influences to keep our relationship moving on the path chosen for us by God. There is good reason why the term “led astray” applies to our walk of faith.

Matthew 14:28 English Standard Version (ESV) And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

This is a valid example only if we have asked the Lord to command us to do something we know we cannot do in our own strength. Who among us actually pray for this command? My guess is that many do not.

Hebrews 10:31 English Standard Version (ESV) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

No one should feel ashamed if they have not prayed for this. There are many ways to validate our faith without going through such extreme measures. The need for validation is common for all of us.

Mark 9:24 English Standard Version (ESV) Immediately the father of the child cried out^{[with tears]} and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

We believe in Christ but do we really know everything about faith and living this life of faith? There always seems to be something we do not understand. Do we need to know everything to trust God? These things we wonder about should never be allowed to shake our faith in God. Because God knows us intimately, He knows what we can receive, what we should receive and how we can accept it. Those are three different issues.

Trust God that if any unbelief hinders our relationship with God, He will work to remove that stumbling stone for walking in faith. When we are young in the faith, it is easy to trip. With maturity we can examine those stumbling stones. With more maturity we will find ourselves leaping over them without having to know who put them there or a need to remove them.

1 Timothy 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.