How's Your Aim?

In 1 Timothy 1:3b-4, Paul tells writes to "charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies." Paul does this because these things "promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith." People get off-track in myriad ways. Whether on one hand we pursue some questionable doctrine or on the other hand chase after speculative reasoning, we have missed what is important and promotes order in our Christian walk. The proper aim is love.

Right here, I have to admit that my mind automatically switched gears and started playing "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles. After all, that was my generation.

May I submit that sappy sentimentalism is nothing similar to the apostolic desire? We are given three attributes of the proper love to express.

• Pure Heart (καθαρᾶς καρδίας) – In Scripture, the word heart has to do with the will. It is the conscious decision from planning a course of action and determining to stand in it. The heart Paul references is clean from sin or sinful intent. Such cleansing can be only from the work of God who promised to "sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses" and "give you a new heart, and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 36:25-26).
• Good Conscience(συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς) – When the will is set, the mind is harnessed in such a fashion that arising thoughts and rational processes are brought into line with that underlying purpose. Our thoughts are for the good of others toward the building up of another for his benefit.
• Sincere Faith (πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου) – It seems incongruous to speak of faith as anything but sincere, however it can be hypocritical when placed on the wrong object. The believer has his set upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

When these attributes are fully functioning, the love expressed can be nothing but that which demonstrates our great God and Savior and brings praise to his name.