Godliness
“discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7
Godliness – Yesterday we saw that the word for “godliness” can be applied to people who practice outward devotion but have no inner character pleasing to Christ. Paul warns us to avoid such people. But here is the same word, now used in a context that applies to the believer. Remember that this word comes from two words meaning “well revered”. Now we see that inner character should show itself in the outward manifestation of devotion and reverence. Paul exhorts us to train ourselves in this practice. It does not come naturally.
So how do we practice eusebeia (godliness)? Paul gives us quite a bit of instruction in the previous verses. Be a good servant of Jesus. Be constantly nourished by the Word. Be devoted to prayer. Receive everything with gratitude. Here are four practical disciplines, ready to be implemented in your life.
- Servant behavior: that means putting aside your agenda for the needs of others. A servant is the background person; always ready to make life better for someone else. Those who exhibit “servanthood” with credit in mind practice a distorted form of eusebeia.
- Scriptural saturation: Want to know the character of God? Want to discover His will for your life? Read. Study. Devote yourself to His communication with you. Not occasionally but constantly. How you spend your time in this area of discipline says a lot about your heart. Consider Acts 2:42.
- Prayer: I’m sorry, but five minutes a day just doesn’t make godliness. Prayer is time with God. Godliness is time in prayer. It must be a priority. Would 5 minutes a day make a marriage?
- Be thankful: God cares for you. You’re alive. You’re blessed. Gratefulness is godliness too.
Now you have a self-check list. Don’t be discouraged if you think you have a long way to go. Everyone is traveling. Remember, Paul says it takes discipline. These four practices are not automatic and not always easy. They’re just essential.
Practice, practice, practice: but practice the things that matter. Not the rituals and the regimens, but the matters of the heart. Did you notice that all of these disciplines begin on the inside?
