Supplements of Faith – Godliness

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness. – 2 Peter 1:5-6 (NLT)

What is godliness? Collins defines it as, “the quality of being godly.” And a godly person, “is someone who is deeply religious and shows obedience to the rules of their religion.” Another definition says, “the quality of being devoutly religious; piety.”

Surprisingly, the world doesn’t really know what godliness means, as these definitions mean being devoted to any religion or belief. Also, the world sees religious people as weird, as those who are not attuned to the modern world.

Both Jesus and Paul demonstrated to us that godliness doesn’t mean physically shutting ourselves away from the world. Instead, they got involved with people, understanding what they were feeling and going through and then presenting them with a better way of living.

This is why the Pharisees and other religious leaders couldn’t understand Jesus and accused him of mixing with sinners. “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” Mark 2:16-17 (NKJV)

Godliness describes a positive way of life influenced by faith in God and sound Biblical doctrine. Becoming a believer doesn’t automatically make us godly. It is thinking rightly and acting rightly aptly assisted or helped by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There can be no godly living without salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Once we place our faith in Jesus Christ, godliness is one of the seven qualities we can add to our faith to make us fruitful and effective Christians.

When we are committed to a life of godliness, it will be evident in our words, our lifestyle, our relationships, our attitude, our faith, and our purity.  “…Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 (NLT). A nation’s real greatness is not in its military conquests, economic, and political might. Its greatness is in its resolve to observe and practice justice, godliness and righteousness. But sin brings disgrace and makes people miserable.

Walking in godliness requires that we guard against fraternising with worldly wisdom. God, through the Apostle Paul warns us of the dangers of the last days. He commands us to stay away or distance ourselves from every professing Christian who strays from sound doctrine.

“…In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money…They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT)

Godliness calls for dedication and focus. That’s why the Apostle Paul is encouraging us today as he encouraged his young protégé, Timothy, when he said, “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4: 7-8 (NLT)

Stay blessed,

LaraLex