Godliness is “reverence and respect for, and devotion to, the God of the Bible. Godliness is being spiritually-minded, that is, always doing that which is well-pleasing to God. This involves my thinking, my attitude, my actions, my reactions, and generally speaking, my behavior. Is it possible to be a christian and not be godly? The answer is definitely yes. After listing several christian virtues that will supplement our faith, the Apostle Peter concludes, “Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:3-10).
Godliness is also the quality of my innermost being, which is, the seat of my understanding and desires meaning how I think, how I respond, and how I feel. Godliness is absolutely essential for spiritual growth and maturity in the christian faith. With a spiritual mindset, we are better able to please God. Godliness must be reflected in my daily lifestyle.
Godliness requires obedience to God in all things. It is impossible to be a godly person without obeying God. God’s inspired word is “truth.” In His priestly prayer to the Father, Jesus said, “Sanctify them through your truth, Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth is hard to come by these days. Also, God’s word stands forever. Said he, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word remains and abides forever” (Luke 21:33). Here we see the “power” of the holy scriptures.
What does a godly person do? Here are just a few examples that are worth noting.
A godly person worships God in “spirit and in truth,” Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Notice the “must,” meaning that worshipping any other way in unacceptable.
A godly person is dedicated to live the separated christian life. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God” (Romans 12 :2).
A godly person not only loves God but also loves his or her brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus also said, “This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Also, “If anyone says I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:20,21). Keeping and executing these commandments is evidence of our love for God.
A godly person is always aware of the importance and significance of prayer in his or her own life and also believes in it. Prayer is the God-given means by which we communicate with God, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Also, “The prayer of the upright is [God’s] delight” (Proverbs 15;8).
A godly person has an ongoing desire for christian fellowship and participation in “gathered” worship by regularly attending church. The Bible makes it very clear, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
A godly person endeavors to live a God-honoring life in the world. Jesus said, “Let you light shine before others, so that that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). As christians we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).