We may think we have a clear conscience, or maybe that here are no skeletons in our closet, but that does not mean we are innocent.  God is the one who judges the heart.

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.  Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.  I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.  My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.  Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God” (1 Cor 4:1-5).  

Paul builds on one idea after the next:

We have been given a trust
Those who have been given a trust must be proven faithful
That proof is determined not from men, but from God
A clear conscience is not enough to prove innocence
God looks at the motives of the heart

It’s a troubling thought really.  That a clean conscience is not enough, God will judge the motives of the heart.  How much of our hearts are motivated by pride, selfishness, our own fears, insecurities and more?  If put to the flame, not much would remain.

And yet, instead of words of judgment, God is testing us to find those pure motives for which he can offer praise.

“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God” (v. 5). 

Motives matter.  They matter a lot.  Because God is looking to find whom He can praise.  And praise from God is priceless.

There’s also in this text responsibility.  Whenever we have been given a trust with something, it is being given a responsibility.  That responsibility is to steward well what we have been given.  To work hard, with honesty, and diligently, with that trust.  It’s a reminder not to get sloppy in what we do, but to deliver what we’ve been entrusted to do.

Such matters should keep us all humble.