Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Commissioning
by the Risen Lord
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Vs.
7-9 Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself
in godliness, or, while physical training is of some value, godliness is
valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life
to come. he saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance.
We
are constantly in training. We are constantly taking in knowledge, learning,
adapting- training so that we may be considered worthy members of our peer
group or work force. The question here is: are we putting in the same amount of
energy pursuing our role as a child of God; are we putting in the same amount
of work to be godly?
What is godliness? According to
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to be godly means believing in God and in the
importance of living a moral life. However, through the letters of Paul to
Timothy and Titus- it is clear that it is so much more. Belief is not enough,
it is a way of life- it is action, it is movement. Paul writes to
Timothy, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). Peter goes
on to say, “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, brotherly kindness; and to
brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Paul describes godliness as something
that you pursue - work towards. Peter describes the building blocks towards
godliness, and takes it even further by stating, that it is not enough- it must
be followed by concern for others, and unconditional love.
The
best part? We do not need anything more than ourselves to be godly, for “His
divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge
of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Godliness is
a result of our acceptance of our Lord and Savior, and the desire to act upon
that. Are our actions a true reflection of God? Do our actions mirror that of
Jesus, who gave up all worldly possessions, who saw the least, lost and the
last as His own, and was crucified so that we may be rid of sin?
Training
for becoming godly does not end with just Bible study and good attendance at
church. It is by caring for our neighbor, by helping our enemy, by living for
others and putting ourselves last. Godliness is not a static state of being, it
is ever evolving and truly the characteristic we should all strive for. This is
how we commission for Christ - by living a godly life that reflects our peace
and happiness in being a disciple of Christ.
PRAYER
Lord,
help us pursue the path to godliness so that we may be a mirror of Your love
and compassion to all mankind. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Every
day that we're not practicing godliness we're being conformed to the world of
ungodliness around us.” - Jerry Bridges, The Fruitful Life: The Overflow of
God's Love Through You
Shaina Varghese, Carmel MTC, Boston, MA
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar
Thoma Church