GODLINESS

Godliness means “reverence and respect for, and devotion to, the God of the Bible. Godliness is being spiritually-minded, that is, always doing what is well-pleasing to God. This involves my thinking, my attitude, my actions, my reactions, and generally speaking, my behavior. Is it possible to be a christian and not be godly? The answer is definitely yes. On the other hand, there are some non-christians who seem to live a more godly life than some christians. In listing several christian virtues that will supplement our faith, the Apostle Peter concludes, “Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:3-10). Here, Peter states certain reasons for ungodliness among christians.

Godliness is also the quality of my innermost being, which is, the seat of my understanding and desires and that means how I think, how I respond, and how I feel. Godliness is absolutely essential for spiritual growth and maturity in the christian faith. With a spiritual mindset, we are better able to please God.

Godliness requires obedience to God. It is impossible to be a godly person without obeying God. The Bible is God’s inspired word and it is “truth.” In His priestly prayer to the Father, Jesus said, “Sanctify them through your truth, Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth is on the decline in our society today. But God’s truth stands forever. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). Here we see that the holy scriptures are "permanent."

What does a godly person do? Here are a few examples that are worth noting.

A godly person worships God in “spirit and in truth,” Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Notice the “must,” meaning that worshipping any other way is unacceptable to God.

A godly person is dedicated to live the "separated" christian life. The Bible says, “Do not be confirmed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God” (Romans 12 :2).

A godly person not only loves God but also loves their brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus also said, “This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Keeping and executing these commandments is evidence of our love for God.

A godly person is always aware of the importance and significance of prayer in their own life and also believes in it. Prayer is the God-given means by which we communicate with God, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Also, “The prayer of the upright is [God’s] delight" (Proverbs 15;8).

A godly person has an ongoing desire for christian fellowship and participation in “gathered” worship by regularly attending church. The Bible makes it very clear, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Church attendance is an essential christian benefit. At church we congregate with others "who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1).

A godly person endeavors to live a God-honoring life in the world. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Christians are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Also, we are a "letter of recommendation written on hearts to be known and read by all” (2 Corinthians 3:2).