JESUS ADDS GODLINESS TO MY FAITH
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness..." 2 Peter 1:5-6
As Jesus completes His self-control with perseverance, He changes my attitude to one of hope and expectancy. When Jesus adds His godliness to His perseverance, He changes my goal from living for today to living for eternity.
What Is Godliness?
Godliness is about how I respond to God.
When I come before my heavenly Father with reverence, humility, and worship, godliness begins to reveal itself in my life. This only happens as the Holy Spirit works in my heart.
Divine attributes can only come from a divine source.
Godliness is not something I can manufacture on my own. It is a divine attribute that becomes visible in my life as I pursue Jesus Christ with all that I am.
Paul writes:
"Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."1 Timothy 4:7-8
Godliness is valuable for my life today, but it also points my heart toward eternity.
Godliness Changes My Goal
Paul teaches that godliness is connected to obeying the words of Jesus Christ and taking hold of the eternal life God has already given me.
In Titus, Paul describes the qualities that become visible in a godly life. Among them, I see someone who is blameless, steadfast, and ready.
These qualities help me understand why godliness follows knowledge, self-control, and perseverance.
Being blameless means I am exercising self-control and spiritual discipline in my life and in my home.
Being steadfast means I am persevering, remaining faithful, and holding firmly to the one and only Truth found in Jesus Christ.
Being ready means I am growing in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. I know His trustworthy message, I use His truth to encourage others, and I am prepared to answer those who oppose it.
Knowledge, self-control, and perseverance are not separate from godliness. Jesus is bringing them together as His life is being lived through me.
Godliness Is a Way of Life
Living with godliness means I am persevering in obedience to the Truth.
My understanding of God begins to shape my attitude. My attitude begins to shape my choices. My choices begin to shape my relationships. And all of these begin to shape how I live my life for Jesus Christ.
Godliness is not something I decide to practice for a little while and then forget.
Godliness is not a resolution. It is a way of life.
As Jesus gives me His godliness, the temporary things of this world begin to lose their importance. My desire to know Him, obey Him, worship Him, and live for Him becomes more important.
My goal changes: I no longer live merely for today. I begin living for eternity.
Living for Eternity
Jesus gives me His godliness as I abide in Him. As He lives His life through me, my goals begin to change.
I still live in this world. I still have responsibilities, relationships, work, needs, and decisions to make. But these things no longer have to become the goal of my life.
Jesus is my goal.
The more I pursue Him, the more I begin to desire what He desires. The more I abide in Him, the more I want His will instead of mine. The more I live for Him today, the more my heart becomes focused on eternity.
Godliness changes the question I ask about my life.
Instead of asking, "What do I want from this life?"
I begin asking, "How does Jesus want me to live this life for eternity?"
What Have I Learned?
Faith gives me confidence and trust in God.
Virtue changes my outlook to an eternal perspective.
Knowledge changes my identity by helping me understand that I am a child of God.
Self-control changes my understanding of Jesus as my Lord and Master.
Perseverance changes my attitude to one of hope and expectancy.
Godliness changes my goal from living for today to living for eternity.
I don't have to live for the temporary things this world tells me are important.
I don't have to make my comfort, success, possessions, or accomplishments the goal of my life.
I can pursue Jesus with all that I am. I can live for Him today.
I can live with eternity in view. I can make Jesus the goal of my life.
Reflect
Do my daily priorities reflect that I am living for eternity?
In what area of my life is God calling me to greater reverence and obedience?
When others observe my life, do they see the character of Jesus growing in me?
What temporary pursuit might God be asking me to exchange for an eternal priority?
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me the godliness of Jesus Christ as He lives His life through me. Teach me to pursue godliness, not as a duty, but as my response of love, reverence, and worship to You. Help me remain steadfast in Your truth and keep my eyes focused on eternity. May my thoughts, my words, my choices, and my actions reflect the character of Jesus so that others can see Him living in me. Change my goals from the temporary things of this world to the eternal things of Your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
May you be blessed,
Chaplain Wayne Ruckman
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