II Corinthians 1:12 “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”
The word “conversation” is often loosely explained as citizenship; but, it actually has a more specific meaning, in this context it refers to a changed life, a life that has been turned from vain worldly interests to a life of worshipful service to our Lord. This “conversation” is a life now lived “in simplicity and godly sincerity”. To live in “simplicity” is to be singularly focused upon a life of obedient service to our Lord, not motivated by personal interests or guided by “fleshly wisdom”. To live in “sincerity” is to live a life that is not tainted with such vain things as greed, self-promotion, immorality, etc. Thus, Paul is testifying that they added nothing to the Word of God neither did they diminish it in preaching or in practice; being singularly focused, they were striving to obey the Lord’s Commandments. They were helped and guided “by the grace of God”. It is certain that “fleshly wisdom” is the enemy of “simplicity and godly sincerity” because it adds carnal motives and lusts to the Word of God to make it more exciting and entertaining. The use of “fleshly wisdom” distorts the basic Doctrine of Christ and melds carnal entertainment with the worship service. Paul is exhorting us to similarly live our lives “in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom”, but being guided “by the grace of God”!