Ae you a godly person? How would you define godliness? Is this something only the spiritual elite should have as a goal? The English dictionary defines it as “devoted to God, pious, devout, religious.” The Greek word is eusebeia and might be translated as reverent. It comes from the verb sebo, to worship. Apparently, then, a godly person is one who lives all of life worshipfully, conscious that he is in the presence of the living God and desirous of pleasing Him.
Paul exhorts us that we are to pray “for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:1-2, nkjv). A peaceful and quiet atmosphere will aid the spread of the gospel, for God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). A constant prayer of God’s people should be that they will be known as being “godly,” living lives that are holy and reverent. Sin will destroy one’s testimony for God. It will discredit “that noble (beautiful) name by which you are called” (Jas. 2:7).
The person who accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour is born of God and inherits God’s nature, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. 1:21). But life needs nourishment and care. If believers are to grow and mature, Peter exhorts, “desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Feeding daily on God’s Word should be a regular part of one’s life, even as is the enjoyment of physical food.
Food is vital for good health but so is exercise. Paul writes Timothy, “Exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). He goes on to say that bodily exercise only profits in this life. Godliness brings reward both now and for eternity. Godliness will not result in a miserable, unhappy life spiritually; it will be the best life one can possibly live in this world.
Paul says we should “exercise,” gumnadzo, the word from which we get our word “gym.” This verb stresses regular discipline and self denial (1 Cor. 9:23-24). It requires effort expended and a learning process. One may read a manual on how to play a sport, but he needs to apply what he has learned, to exercise. Christians need to read and study the Scriptures but not just as an academic exercise. There must be application of truth to life so that one does not become a hypocrite but a godly person, obedient to the Word of God. James reminds us, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (Jas. 2:20). The world has little use for hypocrisy, nor does God.
There is real value in group exercise. Many join a health club and get involved in a group that is exercising faithfully. There are advantages to this. The group provides discipline, regularity and accountability. A spirit of comradery and encouragement will develop. One sees then the value of the local assembly with its regular meetings, accountability and discipline. The Scripture exhorts, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
Is godliness worth the effort expended and the self-denial required? After all, there are real pleasures in sin, although short-lived (Heb. 11:25). Is it not possible to be a moderate Christian, enjoying some of the more acceptable pleasures of sin, and still go to heaven? Is not God’s grace adequate to forgive all sin? Must one be so serious about the Christian life?
Many are deeply attracted to money and to all it can buy. This can become a subtle snare. Paul says that we need “doctrine which accords with godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3). Healthy teaching will produce healthy Christians.
Strong warnings against sin and materialism need to be made. There should be a proclamation of God’s character and will. Paul warns against a love of money and states, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6). Beware of the trap of Demas. Love God, not money. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:7-8).
Paul reminds us that there is eternal reward for godliness (1 Tim. 4:8). “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Cor. 9:24). Men exercise and discipline themselves rigorously to compete in the games for an earthly medal that soon tarnishes and is forgotten. Godly exercise produces eternal reward.
The godly person must flee greed and the love of money, along with other more obvious sins. “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11). Godliness and these other virtues must be pursued. A pursuit involves single-mindedness, intense effort and a definite goal. Paul would exhort believers to flee from sin; there must be no compromise. Life needs to be lived worshipfully, under the eye of God, with a single desire to please the Lord. Then we shall meet our Lord without shame, without regret.
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified;
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
—Amy Carmichael
Written by Donald L. Norbie