Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out – 1 Timothy 6:6&7
One of the biggest evil plaquing our world today especially amongst politicians and public servants is corruption which is largely borne out of ungodliness and lack of contentment. Many prospering nations and thriving economy’s have been brought to their knees and ruined. This is very sad!
What is Godliness?
Godliness implies a kind of reverence for or devotion to God which produces a practical awareness and fear of God in every aspect of one’s life. True godliness is a way of life that permeates every aspect of life, from appearances to actions. A godly person cannot help but transmit and radiate godliness in a way that anybody who comes in contact with him or her will immediately feel the presence of God. Consequently, deceptive godliness in speech or action is not compatible with the Word of God and therefore cannot be sustained. According to 2 Timothy 3:5, “Having a form of godliness”, is living in deception. Meanwhile Titus 2:11-12 says:“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
From the above passage, it is clear that godliness can be interpreted as a measure of the level of sanctification in a child of God. The Bible in a few cases used the term “walking with God” to indicate the level of godliness of some fathers of faith. Examples of godliness in the Bible include Enoch in Genesis 5:24: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” And Noah in Genesis 6:9:“…. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” God demanded godliness from Abraham in Genesis 17:1
“… I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” And Abraham in turn confirmed compliance in Genesis 24:40 with the statement. Other examples of godliness include Simeon in Luke 2:25, Anna in Luke 2:37, and Cornelius in Acts 10:2. Therefore, godliness is mandatory as an evidence of knowing God and walking upright before Him.
According to 1 Timothy 6:6, godliness should be accompanied by contentment. The Bible teaches that godly sorrow for sin is a sign of godliness and godly living demands self-discipline. The benefits of godliness cannot be over emphasised, 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that godliness is profitable unto all things, both in this life and in eternity. Today’s memory verse emphasises that godliness with contentment brings great gain. It is also a sure defence against covetousness and worldly lusts which is the main source of backsliding which leads to apostasy in the Church of God today.
God is looking for believers who will serve him with so much love that they are content with what he gave them and in honour walk upright before him as a sign of Godliness.
May the Lord in mercy help every reader of this devotional today to make conscious and decisive effort to live Godly life and be content in Jesus name.
Prayer point: My Father and my God, please give me the grace to be content in Jesus name.
Key Dose: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
