Godliness (Pt 1)
Godliness is one of the Christian graces about which Peter instructs Christians to grow and mature (2 Peter 1:5-11). It is one of the qualities of Christian living which should epitomize the child of God. These qualities or characteristics are built upon one another such that one cannot proceed to the next until he has in a sense mastered the preceding quality. This is not to say that one will perfect these qualities in his life, for diligence and vigilance are required on our part to ensure that we do not regress or become stagnant in these holy virtues. For instance, one will never have a perfect knowledge of the word of God, for the pursuit of such is a lifelong endeavor. However, one cannot truly grow in temperance without proper knowledge of the word of God. Self-control is built upon the foundation of Biblical knowledge.
Each of the Christians graces is to be added to the foundation of faith, without which no one can truly claim to be a Christian, much less grow in the grace and in the knowledge of that way. Upon this foundation is then added virtue, or moral vigor. This is the willingness, the courage, to do what one knows to be good and right. One deficient in virtue is living a token Christianity, a life void of substance and value. One determined to stand for what is right then needs direction for this moral vigor. So to virtue is added knowledge. One cannot stand for what is right when he does not know what is right. By study of the word of God, we are given guidance and purpose for our faith and virtue. Those willing to do what they know to be right, and who have the proper guidance in spiritual matters, realize that they practice that for which they stand. It is the utmost in hypocrisy when one makes a determination to stand before the world in defense of what he believe, and to know what is right and good, but then be willing to live it out in his every day life. The faithful child of God must ever practice self-control-temperance-lest the faith he proclaims and affirms to others not be allowed to shape his own conduct. Those of the faith, willing to stand for the truth, and who put that truth into practice in their own lives will stand out from the world. This non conformity to this world will bring ridicule and persecution upon the faithful Christian. To one’s self-control must then be added patience, or endurance in the face of trials and tribulations. One who has learned to control himself knows that he cannot control what others will do to him. Therefore, he leaves matters in the hands of God, all the while remaining steadfast in the faith. He remembers how the innocent Son of God suffered at the hands of vile sinners, patiently enduring those momentary afflictions wit the hope of glory ever in view. To patience is then added godliness, a reverence, respect, devotion toward God. As one grows in godliness, it will reinforce all these aforementioned virtues. One who venerates God as he should will desire to be pleasing to his Creator and Father. He will also learn to instill within himself the same motives and qualities that are characteristic to the Almighty, evermore fashioning himself after things heavenly and eternal rather than terrestrial and temporal. As a child of God becomes more godly, he becomes more godlike.
- Patrick Morrison
Want to comment?
