holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith;
As Timothy fought the good fight, he should continue to trust God and maintain a good conscience (cf. 2 Timothy 1:3). A conscience, like a computer, programmed with the will of God, can be a great asset to the Christian soldier. However if one violates his or her conscience so programmed, that person ignores a warning signal. The results can be disastrous. The conscience is the umpire of the soul. Someone has described it as the capacity to feel guilt. One’s conscience enables him or her to feel dishonor, shame, and guilt.