Daily Journal: 3 April

About Godliness

What character traits are important to you?

What is godliness and what is it about godliness that is important?

Godliness could be described as conforming to the character of God. Some character traits of God are righteousness, holiness, mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

Godliness is a virtuous inner shaping toward an aspiration that reflects Christ in us. We should consider godly attributes in our conduct as we demonstrate behaviour. Such as? The work of the Holy Spirit and His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We need the humility and grace of Christ. Practically speaking, we should be clean-living and clean-talking, not given to swearing or grumbling, lying or dishonesty, temper or a lack of self-control.

The letters written to the churches, recorded in the New Testament, are called epistles. They instruct and provide guidance on how believers are to live godly lives.

Consider some scriptures on godliness and its importance to the believer.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

(ISV) Do not have anything to do with godless myths and fables of old women. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical exercise is of limited value, but Godliness is very dear, a pledge of life, both there and here.

(TLB) Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.

Godliness will usher us into a lifestyle that honours God and His ways, that honours people, and is good for our own soul. Godliness is a consideration for our daily life and daily conduct.

1 Timothy 3:15-16 discusses the importance of our conduct, describes godliness as a mystery but refers it towards Jesus Christ. Titus 1:1 says knowledge of the truth accords with godliness.

1 Timothy 5:4 (NLT)

But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.

1 Timothy 6:3 (NLT)

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)

But you, man of God, flee from all this [worldly desires that can trip us up], and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 Peter 3:10-11, 13 (NASB)

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness… But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

I pray today, that we will desire to be trained in the pursuit of godliness in our lives, with all humility and grace from Jesus Christ.