A Good Conscience

“Fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”—1 Timothy 1:18–19 NASB

Born in the Netherlands, Simon de Vlieger achieved fame as a painter of landscapes. He often painted ships in a harbor, highlighting his sensitivity to the constantly changing weather along the Netherlands’ coast.

One of his most important paintings was Estuary at Dawn, which today hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. This is a painting of contrasts. On one hand in the foreground, we see the impact of a violent storm. At the same time, the overall scene is a picture of serenity; all is calm.

A scene like this celebrated the harmony of people within the natural world who prospered because of God’s blessing.

Vlieger’s painting of ships at sea reminds us of Paul’s point that “some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith,” and we are to fight the good fight, live by faith, and keep a clear conscience.

A shipwreck is an apt way to describe what can happen to believers. This implies some kind of accident—perhaps striking rocks in the water, running aground, or being caught up in a storm.

As Paul reminds us, the way to avoid spiritual shipwrecks is to maintain a “good conscience.” We do this when we live in harmony with God, stay in tune with His Spirit, act in ways consistent with His Word, let Him alert us to any dangers, and trust in Him.

Reflection Question: How can you avoid a spiritual shipwreck?