2 Corinthians 4: 1-2 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Paul the Apostle comes across to me as one who was so conscious of the seriousness of his calling that he constantly examined his way of life to make sure that he was doing nothing which would bring shame on his ministry and God’s name. It is not that he did not get criticized a lot, in fact he was often physically chastised, but even then he was more concerned that he had a clear conscience before God and was being diligent in doing the right thing.

In teaching about the surpassing glory of the new covenant through the blood of Jesus compared to the old administered through the sacrifices of bulls and goats, he handled the matter as a sacred trust. In the process he realized that for him to be credible he had to do some housecleaning. In speaking to the church at Corinth he said: “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

There is a principle here for all of us to follow. The believer must constantly be vigilant to examine his or her life to root out attitudes, practices and habits, which if discovered would not only shame you but call into question what you teach about God. Renouncing is an act of the will to confront and destroy. For me this is daily and it means humbly accepting correction from the Holy Spirit.