What is Godliness?

“Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.“
1 Timothy 4:7-8

What is Godliness? Godliness is a devout lifestyle or devotion to God whereby one is changed into the image of Christ. A person becomes God-like in character and follows Christ. Godliness is more than just a style of living; it is an obedient life walking in love, wisdom, and the grace of God. Reading 1 Timothy 6, I found that the Apostle Paul references godliness as a doctrine. In otherwords, godliness is part of the belief system we have in Christ. There is a distinct difference between wholesome words of the Lord and non-wholesome words in the world. Godliness speaks to the conduct and character of a person. That person is Jesus Christ. I can remember singing a hymn titled “To Be Like Jesus.”

To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus.
All I ask, is to be like Him.
All thru life's journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, is to be like Him.

Does our character align with the true meaning of godliness? Godliness is those who are holy, God-like, and faithful. Godliness is holiness. Listen to what the Apostle Peter said.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;”

1 Peter 1:15

God is holy, so you should also be holy in all manner of speech. Speech is wholesome words. These words are the words of God. We are to be partakers of the divine nature of God. We are to be changed into the image of Christ. This is the race we run in our lives. To be like Him. To be God-like, holy, and faithful. It is a life of devotion and commitment to God’s will. Many display an outward appearance of godliness, but within their heart is anything but godliness. They complain and want more for themselves rather than being content with what they have. The apostle Paul conveyed how one’s devotion towards God can be devotion towards something else, such as a selfish ambition. We find the Apostle Paul speaking in 1 Timothy 4:7, that one is to exercise oneself towards godliness. How is this done? The answer is in Acts.

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”

Acts 24:16

True devotion towards God is always characterized by a clear conscience towards God and towards men. The question arises as to what form of godliness do we have? Let us read another scripture that sheds a little more light.

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:“

1 Timothy 1:5

Godliness is in the person of Jesus Christ. Godliness is changing our dirty garments into clean garments [see Genesis 35:2]. This is done through love. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son [John 3:16]. And what did Jesus say was the great commandment?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:36-39

To love God should not be a burden. It should not be painful, for Jesus took that pain upon himself on the cross. Jesus gave us the victory to overcome the world. We must believe that He can perform within us what is needed. To change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh where love reigns. Relinquish your control to God and allow Him to move into your life.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:3-4

A true form of Godliness expresses love. We love Him because He first loved us. Love brings a pure heart and a clear conscience. Paul states it is of faith unfeigned. Faith in Christ is a sincere, heartfelt commitment. Godliness is devoid of hypocrisy or ulterior motives. Paul gives a warning about those who suppose that gain is godliness [see 1 Timothy 1:5]. We should be aware that the form of godliness can be performed in the flesh, being works-oriented instead of being in the spirit of Christ’s love. Having riches does not mean we are Godly people. Having the will to get rich through the Gospel is destructive and traps one into wrong thinking and lustful desires [1 Timothy 6:9]. Only Godliness with contentment is great gain [ 1 Timothy 6:6]. Being content with what you have is the key to Godliness, for God is our provider, and we believe in His providence. As we obey the word, we will become a peculiar treasure to God and become a kingdom of Priests. This is the ultimate vision of God.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Exodus 19:5

Continue to exercise yourself towards Godliness and become the vision of God through Christ, reflecting His holiness and character. Remember that Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of life. Let us ask God to be like Jesus every day of our lives.