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Activating the Conscience

“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV) 

What does it mean to commend yourselves to everyone's conscience? How exactly is this accomplished? 

By definition, commend means “to praise formally or to present as suitable for approval.”  It's clear, however, that Paul wasn't seeking man's approval. From his conversion, Paul preached in a way that was simple, clear, and direct. "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified," Paul would proclaim. It was very clear that Paul would avoid doing anything that might make him guilty of adulterating the Word of God. 

So how exactly did Paul proclaim this offensive message while commending himself to every man's conscience? 

The answer is simple actually: Paul understood "that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness" (Romans 2:15). In other words, the proclamation of the pure Gospel message activates the conscience. All people, even those who have never heard the message of Jesus, have a dormant, indwelling knowledge of God's law. Simply put: the preaching of the Gospel activates the conscience. The conscience, in turn, bears witness to the message of Jesus. Our hearts simply resonate with the message, even if we reject it. 

Charge: Pray that God would give you the boldness to proclaim the pure Gospel message. Also pray that He would put people in your path and open opportunities for you to share your faith.