Godly Living

OUR KEY VERSES REVEAL how the Christian may have rationality in their life, even as the world around them is increasingly going mad. Apostle Paul reminds us that God’s grace has appeared to all, bringing salvation in Christ. For those willing to be taught of God, rich instruction awaits them in the school of Christ. The admission requirements are rigorous. Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; … It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.”—John 6:44,45, NASB

The first step in our schooling is to deny ungodliness, which is irreverence. The sensibilities of our modern world revel in irreverent jesting and behavior. These can only reinforce a base and insensitive mindset. Recall the promise of Scripture that, if we submit to God, when we resist the devil, he will flee from us. (James 4:7) A simple but highly effective tool in fighting temptation is, in the moment, to say to ourselves, “Absolutely not!”

The next step in our schooling is to learn that material things are much less important than that which is spiritual. Jesus wisely taught us, “Do not worry then, saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:31-34, NASB) Our priority each day is to “seek first” God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

Live sensibly, righteously and godly. Stay in close contact with the Lord throughout the day. “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) Remember, “If you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:1,2, NASB) Practice daily the “putting offs” and the “putting ons.” Put off the propensities of the fallen flesh to practice sin—immorality, lying, wrath, jealousy, slander, and all unrighteousness.—vss. 5-9, NASB

Then, with careful attention, we are to put on the qualities of godly living. We are instructed to “put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal … as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”—vss. 10-14, NASB

Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:14, NASB) May we show him all due reverence as we conduct our lives in a sensible, righteous and godly manner.