Today’s reading:
Psalm 4:1-8
“But know that the Lord has set apart for himself, him who is godly: The Lord will hear when I call to him.” (v. 3)
“Godly” refers to having an inward devotion to God, which is displayed outwardly. It reflects the heart, wisdom and nature of God. It is related to holiness, piety, spirituality and of course, the Christian religion. It involves continuously seeking after God’s heart, his will and love. The importance of godliness to God can be seen generally in the Epistles in the New Testament, apart from those expressed by the Psalmists. In our Today’s reading in v3, it reads that God has set apart the godly for himself. Also in Ps. 116:15, it reads that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (the godly).
In Titus 2:12, Apostle Paul instructs believers to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. Also, Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Tim. 6:9 to flee the desire for richness, foolish and harmful lusts, love of money which is a root of all kinds of evil, but rather to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love and patience. Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-6 admonished believers to diligently add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Some of the men recorded in the scripture to have lived a godly life or said to be godly include: Enoch, who was said to have walked with God (Gen. 5:24); others are Noah, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Joseph and Apostles like Paul, Peter and John.
A man becomes godly through a process of receiving Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for his sins, and accepting God’s righteousness purchased for him (2 Cor. 5:21). By faith in Christ, he declares Jesus as the Lord of his life and his heart is then set toward obedience to God (Rom. 10:9-10). At this point, the Holy Spirit is sent by Jesus to live in him, helping him to be transformed through sanctification (circumcision of the heart). He then starts to manifest the following qualities and characteristics, same as Jesus, thereby making him a godly man: Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 – 23); seeking God for strength; having the mind of Christ (1Cor.2:16); living in total obedience to God; loving God and showing the fruit of righteousness; makes God a priority (Matt. 6:63); willingly submits and complies with God’s will for his life; honours God with his body (1Cor. 6:19-20); fervent in prayer and studying and meditating on the word of God (1 Thess. 5:16-18); trustworthy and living a life of integrity; living a life of humility and service in God’s vineyard or community, being and leading by example; models his life after Christ.
From our Today’s reading in vs 3-8, we read of the benefits of being a godly man. David confirms that when the godly calls on God, He hears him; He will lift up his countenance upon him; puts gladness in his heart; he can lie down in peace and sleep as God makes him dwell in safety. These are apart from the fact that God has set apart for himself he who is godly. Given the foregoing, it is encouraging for one to resolve to be godly. This means taking a firm decision or purposing in one’s heart to live a godly life here on earth. All it takes is to receive salvation genuinely, surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit who will carry out the entire work of transformation – sanctification and circumcision. Anyone can resolve to be godly if he truly loves God. The rewards for being godly go beyond the above in the present, but also extend to the future. Eternity with the Trinity is also guaranteed.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender Your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident pastor, priest or reverend.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we acknowledge you as the only true God in heaven and on earth.
Precious Lord, we thank you for reconciling us with the Father, and sending us the Holy Spirit to sanctify us till we are made holy.
Oh Lord, help us to resolve to be godly, manifesting Christ and living as examples to the world.
Father, help the church to imbibe godliness, as it encourages its members to resolve to be godly.
Father, send revival to our nation and as souls are won, encourage them to resolve to be godly.
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