Holiness and godliness are first cousins. There won’t be one without the other. The former is a state of being and the latter relates to behavior. Our Lord, because He was holy, was the perfect example of godly behavior during His earthly life. By studying Him, I can learn to “live godly in Christ Jesus.”
“I exhort therefore, that . . . prayers . . . be made for all men, . . . that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” (1 Timothy 4:7–8). “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). “But thou, O man of God . . . follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11). “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith . . . godliness” (2 Peter 1:5–6). “Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11).
GOLDEN THOUGHT: Godliness with contentment is great gain.
[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (March 30 reading).]
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