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.