When
some one is spoken of as living a worldly life, it is
meant that he lives in a worldly manner, or in a manner
like the world. Likewise, when some one is spoken of as
living a godly life, it is meant that he lives in a godly
manner, or in a manner like God. To many this is a hard
saying, but it is possible for man to live just such a
life; in fact, it is the only right way of life. A godly
life is the only true life. Such a life is demanded by the
Scriptures. We are to live "soberly, righteously, and
godly in this present world" (Titus 2:12).
God's dear children are told to be
"followers of him" (Eph. 5 :1). In some
translations this reads, "Be ye imitators of
God," and in some others, "Be ye mimickers of
God." From this we understand that to be a follower
of God is to live or act in a manner like him. Again, it
is said of those who abide in Christ, that they should
walk even as he walked. Our manner of life should be as
was the life of Jesus. It is said of Christ that
"when he was reviled, he reviled not again."
Although He was treated most shame fully by his enemies,
he did not seek to avenge himself. When insulting remarks
were made to him, he gave no reply. To live a godly life
is to live in the same manner. When Christians are
reviled, they bless; when they are persecuted, they suffer
meekly and patiently. When Jesus was being put to death by
his enemies, he prayed the Father to forgive them. When a
man who had come to take Jesus had his ear cut off, Jesus
in his tender compassion healed this bitter persecutor's
wound. This is the true spirit of godliness.
The full standard of godliness is
attained to only when the whole tenor of the life is in
simplicity and godly sincerity. The apostle Paul said in
testimony that his rejoicing was this: the testimony of
his conscience that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not
with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God. he had had
his conduct in the world. A godly life is wholly free from
ostentation; every act is done in purest simplicity and
truest sincerity. As God scrutinizes every act by his
all-seeing eye he discovers no impure motive, as
vain-glory or lifting up of self; for all is in godly
sincerity.
The grace of godliness in the
Christian character is capable of cultivation and
increase. There is a law in both the material and
spiritual that exercise is conducive to growth. The
Spirit-filled apostle said, "Exercise thyself unto
godliness." In the Emphatic this reads, "Train
thyself for piety." Here is something for every soul
that has any aspiration to be more godly in life. Train
yourself for piety. To become of deeper piety and more
godly is the joy of the Christian heart. By training we
become more pious. The lawn-tender forms an espallier by
intertwining the branches of the vine. He keeps
intertwining them as they grow, and by such training forms
a lattice-work of shrubbery. The soul intertwined with the
meek and lowly life of Jesus will form a character of deep
piety and sincere godliness. The daily life should be
intertwined with the life of Jesus. Let there be no
reaching out for anything outside of Him. For a proper
development of the Christian graces there must be a
constant training or intertwining of the soul with God.
This linking more tightly is the result of growth, and
growth is produced by exercise, and exercise consists in
reading the Scriptures, in prayer, and in deep thought or
heart-communion with God. The athlete takes such exercises
and eats such foods as will most properly develop and
strengthen his muscles. The soul that has any longings for
more of God must exercise to have its yearnings gratified.
To be conscious of a growing up into Christ, to feel the
soul intertwining more and more with the life of God, is
fullness of joy and perfect happiness. Christian reader,
is there an ardent flame of pure love in your heart? Do
you walk with Jesus in a devout, trustful, reverential
spirit? Do you oftentimes find your mind contemplating the
wonders of creation and the glories of salvation? Is your
soul habituated to breathe in the atmosphere of heaven
deeply? Is that holy awe filling you? Is that tender
sensibility of spiritual things filling your heart? Is
that fine, keen edge upon your soul that gives such
avidity for holy things? Is to become more godly a sincere
desire of your heart? Then diligently perform all the
duties that belong to a godly life. Some give great
diligence for a time and make spiritual gain and then lose
it all in a day of slackness. But do not slack, be
constant, be persevering, be encouraged. reach forth,
press forward,—and the prize of meekness. peace. and
godliness will crown your life.
