Serving God with a clear conscience

Today, we read the Second Epistle to Timothy.
Timothy was a half-Jew in Lystra. His father was a Greek (Acts 16:1). He was well spoken of by the disciples in Lystra and Iconium. (Acts 16:2). Paul took him to join his missionary journey. Though he opposed circumcising Gentile believers, Paul circumcised Timothy to make him fully Jewish so that the Jews would not discriminate against him in their mission (Acts 16:3). He was ordained bishop of Ephesus to oversee the church (1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:6). Paul wrote this last epistle in Rome, encouraging Timothy to carry out his duties as a bishop. Timothy must have been facing too harsh a job for his youthfulness.

I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers (2 Timothy 1:3).
Paul serves God with a clear conscience. Why did he mention this?
Some social psychologists, such as Eric Hoffer, argue that followers of mass movements are mainly frustrated people of flawed self-image. They throw themselves entirely into such movements as Christianity, Fascism and Communism to build up a utopia. These true believers are tortured by a guilty conscience and seek redemption by committing themselves in utopian mass movements. There may be a grain of truth in their thesis but does Paul fit into such a category?
Superficially Paul became a 'true believer' because of his guilty conscience in persecuting the Christians. But was his guilty conscience the reason for his conversion? Was his conscience a guilty one?
NO! Paul had a clear conscience when he persecuted the Christians. In his eyes, Christians were heretics of Judaism because they worshipped a Galilean carpenter as their God. Like all Israelites, Paul had no qualm in cutting these heretics from among his people (Leviticus 17:10, Psalm 34:16, Ezekiel 14:8). He found support in the Torah, the Psalm and the Prophets.
On the way to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him, confirming the truth that the Galilean carpenter is God. Paul knew that he had been wrong in persecuting the True Way. But he also knew that God's grace had made him a new man, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). What he had done in his old self did not bother him. Therefore, Paul had a clear conscience before and after his conversion.

As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy (2 Timothy 1:4).
Paul shared the anguish of his disciple and co-worker. He wrote to strengthen the confidence of Timothy. As a superior, it is his job to empower his subordinates and draw out the best in them. After all, you cannot do everything yourself. So, why don't you make your subordinates as capable as you are so as to enable more people to accomplish the mission together?
Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;
for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
One thing is certain, God gives each one of us different charisma to build up His Kingdom on earth. Everybody is gifted one way or the other. Therefore, we should respect people who possess these gifts because these gifts come from God. Perhaps there are obstacles preventing your subordinates from fully realizing these gifts. Therefore, it is the duty of superiors to help remove those obstacles instead of scolding the subordinates.
Paul ascertains Timothy that the charisma he has received is a spirit of power, love and self-control. There is no reason to be timid in face of difficulties and oppositions. Timothy has the power. There is no need for him to impose his power to get his way done. Authority should be exercise with caution. Love enables him to channel his power in a benevolent manner and self-control restrains him from abusing his authority as a bishop. Love and self-control are indispensable in the exercise of authority. Shall not Christian bosses follow the advice of St. Paul?

Dear Lord, we are worthless servants. Come and empower us with Your Spirit of power and love and self-control. Amen.