Form of Godliness

There is a right and wrong way to live as a follower of Christ. No one can set the standard for it, even our best ideas or ways still does not measure up.The bible is our surest source of conduct and faith of what constitute a godly lifestyle.

There are certain mindsets, attitudes and conducts that are gradually being accepted as the alternative or replacement of the truth of God. This is corrupting our authentic faith, shifting our focus from God to ourselves and making us less fruitful as followers of Christ.

In 2 Timothy 3 Paul warned us all that in last days certain lifestyle or behavior will become the norm or rampant. The single thread that runs through this form of godliness is "self"; glorified, centered, satisfaction and absorbed. Paul admonishes us to turn away from such and embrace true godliness inherent in the power of God.    

FORM OF GODLINESS INDICATORS [2 Timothy 3:1-5]

ENTITLED Our rights, opinions and preferences can take preminience over the truth of God if we fail to be conscious of the fact that our sole purpose as christians is to please God not ourselves.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of nullifying the Word of God by holding tight to their traditions. Everything God does for you and me is based on His mercies and not our goodness.

We often become angry towards God when we don't get our way or have what we want when we want it . God is righteous and faithful although we may feel that is not the case based on what has happened in the past or currently experiencing now. Our self-righteousness disqualify us to insist on our right to demand what He has promised us. Let us remain humble and grateful as always while trusting Him in the midst of all challenges because He cares.

ON MY TERMS 

Honoring God is a decision we make daily to obey His will even though we may disagree or don't feel like it. Our pick or choose attitude when it comes to the commandments of God is an indirect way of pleasing ourselves and dishonoring Him. Delayed or partial obedience is a form of disobedience.When we choose which commands we want to obey and at what time, we saying our allegiance is more to ourselves than to God. When we live our lives based on our own terms, our relationship with God suffers, our spiritual growth is stunted and desire to live holy declines.

CONVENIENCY

Anyone can be a fan of Jesus but very few can be His true followers because it requires dying to self. It is not a suggestion or an option but a command. We need to lay aside our selfish desires and pleasures of this world when it contradicts  His will. We need to grow out of  the luxury of following our feelings and the choice to do whatever we want because of grace even if it displeases God. When we are not willing to pay the cost of being His disciple we quench the working of His Spirit and disconnect from His Presence. 

Our procrastination, laziness and disobedience delays or deny us the full blessings God has destined for us.God won't force us but will convict, He will lead but we have to follow and His hands are opened but we have to choose to receive.

GODLINESS WITH POWER

Godliness with power is total reliance on him, pleasing Him and living a life that totally reflect who He is to others.

RESPOND TO HIS LOVE [John 14:15]

There is overwhelming truth in the Word that God loved us while we were sinners and will forever love us unconditionally. If we believe and claim that God loves us unconditionally, what should be our best response to His love? Is to love Him back in the same way. How? Simply obey Him, for our obedience is the prove of our love for Him.

Godliness with power is loving Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength and all our mind.

WAIT ON THE LORD [Isaiah 40:31]

There is no greater honor and privilege than to be chosen to bring God praise and worship. We wait on God by obeying and trusting Him. Serving one another in love and patiently waiting on His promises is part of  waiting on Him.There is no greater purpose than living to please Him.Our strength is renewed, our faith is quicken and our hope in Him comes alive when we abide in His presence in prayer and hold firmly to His promises. 

Godliness with power is a life surrendered totally to His will and daily dependence on His grace.

THE VINE AND THE BRANCH [ John 15]

Our dependence on God is not seasonal but eternal for we can do nothing without Him. The power to become like Him and bear much fruit  comes from Him.Our daily communion through prayer opens the floodgates of heavens of unlimited grace to live a life worthy of our calling. The power to overcome temptations and inner strength to live for Him daily comes from our daily reliance on Him. 

Godliness with power is becoming more like Him and letting the fruit we bear remain.

FAITH WITH WORKS Faith without works is dead according to scripture. This means our faith is not just a belief system but a lifestyle with evidence of good works. How can the world know we are the children of God? By loving one another, even those who have not received Him by faith through grace.

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care”― Theodore Roosevelt

We are the light to the world. We should let our lives do the preaching of the gospel more than our lips. We should allow the Love of God to become evident by treating others with grace. The power of God through our sincere actions turns many hearts to the Lord.

Godliness with power is letting our light shine and making others experience His Love through us.

God richly blessed you as you embrace true godliness with power.