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

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