Godliness (Pt 2)
The Bible teaches that godliness is profitable unto all things, both in this life and the life to come (I Timothy 4:8). While many things in this life have intrinsic value, and some have earned value, nothing except that which is of Divine origin can be said to be profitable unto all things. The way one regards God will determine the way in which he regards his own life, his own soul, and the lives and souls of those round about. We must all answer the question, “What think ye of Christ” [and the Father, and the Holy Spirit, PM] (Matthew 22:42)? The child of God seeks to live a godly life (a life shaped by one’s view of God, and his subsequent relationship with Him) upon this earth, thereby enjoying the blessings of this life, while ever looking toward the life to come. As Christians, we need to pray for our civil leaders so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives “in all godliness and honesty” (I Timothy 2:2). God’s word directs us as to how we may live godly lives, for His grace teaches us that “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). The precious will of God gives guidance to our lives (Psalm 119:105) so that in our day to day walk among men and before Him we may be found “blameless, harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke” (Philippians 2:15). God revealed the truth unto men, that we may grow ever closer to Him by seeking, knowing, and following His will [truth which is after, or toward, godliness] (Titus 1:1). It is by means of the word of God that man is provided with the knowledge necessary to live as God would have him to live (2 Peter 1:3)
Godliness is an attitude which shapes conduct. It must ever be guarded against the cares, the worries, the sinful thoughts and the selfish motives which are so characteristic of this world. Godliness is something which we must follow after (I Timothy 6:11). We must heed the advice of Paul when he wrote, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness: (I Timothy 4:7). Godliness requires great effort on our part. It requires that we humble ourselves, resigning our will to His. Growing in godliness is a lifelong commitment. The effort we put forth will be well rewarded. Recall again the words of Paul, “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:8). The child of God who has committed himself to living a godly life will find contentment in any circumstance this life may put before him, for he knows that the only matter of true importance in this life is being right with God (I Timothy 6:6). Herein is one of the rewards of godliness in THIS life. However, the far greater reward for the godly is eternal life in heaven. This makes all the effort, all the struggle, all the persecution worth whatever small price we are called upon by our Lord to make.
As Christians, we must determine to live godly lives in this world so that we may spend eternity with Him Who is the object of our reverence, our affection, our devotion, and our love. In view of that last great day, Peter poses a very important question, “[W]hat manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11)? The question is already answered for us-our lives must be holy and godly if we are to enjoy the eternal bliss of heaven. Those who refuse to grow in godliness will face God in the judgment unprepared, as the psalmist declares, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand [withstand, PM] in the judgment” (Psalm 1:5). If we are not growing in godliness, then soon selfishness and pride will dethrone God in our hearts, and no longer will He rule in our lives. Let us heed the words of Peter: “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Patrick Morrison
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