Effective Series: Godliness

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness..." (2 Peter 1:3-6).

Godliness. It's a bit of a lofty term on its own, and it's as weighty as it sounds. To liken yourself to God is no small matter, but there's something there which is good for us to meditate on and which is required for our effectiveness. Godliness is most simply characterized by living a Godly, or God-honoring, life. It's no shock that we're called to live in this way, nor that the word would be included in such a list, but that doesn't make it any less abstract or difficult to carry out.

So, I took to the original Greek translation of this word and the locations of its other uses to provide some context and to give us a hand as we attempt to live these Godly lives. I found my favorite use of the word in Paul's first letter to Timothy:

"If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

There's a lot in that passage, and it's all good, so I'd ask that you prayerfully read and meditate through that. I'll just touch on a few pieces that stand out to me as it pertains to godliness and effectiveness.

Note: Many of the things that I would otherwise touch on have been spoken on in the "Excellence" entry. Go back and give it a read. :)

The Effects of Godliness

In my experience, godliness, or Godly character, has an attracting effect to it. I believe that the Word of God teaches a character which brings favor upon whoever commits to acting according to its teaching. This isn't to say that hardship won't make its regular appearance; but in the eyes of God, and in many of the people who encounter a Spirit-filled, Bible-reading, Jesus-following individual, there's a grace that comes with operating in a manner properly representative of God. That favor adds many layers to our effectiveness. On top of the attractive nature of it, godliness prepares us for our treasures in Heaven, it sets an example for people on Earth, and it provides protection for those who we encounter.

I've been apart of many a conversation which had only happened by virtue of my character, and of a strong helping of God's grace. I won't say what the conversations were about, but I will say that I don't think I'd have been apart of them if I weren't committed to godliness in my home and in the public eye (I hope not to come off as arrogant; again, I believe this is God's doing, a result of a grace and anointing which I believe is available to many, if not most or all, who act on the Word). If you were to ask me why anyone felt safe opening up to me, I could only speculate. But I believe that "with God" is the safest place that any of us can be. The next best thing, for those who won't approach Him, could very well be "with those who are like God."

In All That You Do, Honor Him

Paul tells Timothy, at the end of that passage, to "keep a close eye" on his conduct and teachings. This is a charge that we'd all benefit from adhering to. We're all called to unique ways of spreading the Gospel of Christ, this I believe is true. At the end of the day, though, it's the spreading of the Gospel of Christ which take precedence over everything that we do. With that in mind, it's imperative that we each be mindful that there is always someone watching us. For those who don't know Christ, we are the representation of what Christianity looks like. How beautiful would it be if what they saw were an image that properly represents and glorifies God?

I can't ask for perfection out of anyone, I couldn't hold myself to that. But I can urge you, brother or sister, to do everything you can to act in a manner befitting our Lord and Savior. To act in a Godly manner is not to pretend that we're better than anyone else, or that we have all the answers; instead, we're called to keep the commandments as well as we can, to ask for forgiveness when we fall short, and to get up and continue loving our neighbors as Christ loves us. I leave you with this passage from Colossians:

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:12-17)

Be blessed.

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Verses to Look Back On:

2 Peter 1:3-11*

1 Timothy 4:6-16*

Psalm 101

Proverbs 3:5-6

Colossians 3:1-17