In Pursuit Of Godliness.

“But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Tim. 4:7-8.

A mother visited her boy at college. Upon entering his room, her eye swept across the walls, which were covered with more than a dozen suggestive pictures of nudity and vulgarity. Her heart was grieved, but she said nothing. Several days later, the mailman delivered a package to the young man. It was a gift from his mother; a beautifully framed picture of the head of Christ. Proudly the boy hung the picture on the wall above his desk. That night, before he went to bed, he removed the other picture which hung closest to the face of Christ. The next day another picture was removed to the wastebasket. Day after day the pictures began to disappear from the walls until only one remained, the picture of the Saviour.

In my estimation, most Christians aren’t very interested in godliness. The call to godliness among modern Christians are largely met with silence or resistance. It doesn’t seem to excite or interest us much. The Bible tells us endlessly to “be holy, be godly, pursue godliness.” But that doesn’t get our hearts racing. What excites us are a new wave of carnally inspired ways of life. The young man in our story must have fallen prey to such pop culture that robbed him of godliness, until his mother took steps.

Religious activities should not replace godliness. Church folks don't pursue it, because various activities often stand in as an effective replacement for it. For many of us a ‘godly Christian’ is someone who goes to church and Bible study each week, does their quiet times regularly, and serves in a department in the church. But that is not enough. The pursuit of godliness must show in your character and conduct, as well as the values of righteousness that you exemplify. Irrespective of what the world around is feels, we must embrace and make practice the principles of godliness as clearly spelt out in the scripture. Selah.

FURTHER READING:

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;” 1 Tim. 6:3.

 “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Tim. 6:11. 

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, thank You for your mercies and grace expressed in me and through me. I ask that You help me to accurately walk in the truth and practically exemplify the virtues and values of godliness. Father, help me to pray persistently, read Your Word diligently, and  meditate on it, to keep it in my heart, to speak about it, and to glorify You on my ways and actions in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:   

Luke. 8:1-56.

Luke. 9:1-62.

Luke. 10:1-42.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Periodical Godliness Is Perpetual Ungodliness.”