1Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
This passage of scripture teaches us that practical godliness is engaged in our everyday experiences, and as we intermingle with our fellowmen. The church venue is not where real Christ-likeness is primarily manifested, for it is often very easy to put on a show, or a semblance of godliness when we know that the pastors and elders are watching. Real practical godliness comes into play after we leave church, and the hum drum of life comes down upon us.
The person who cut us off on the highway, the little old lady who drives at ten miles per hour in front of us when we are hurrying to get to work on time, the lewd conversation at the water fountain amongst co-workers, the uniform kindness and charity to friends and strangers alike, the honesty and integrity that is called for when we have the opportunity to steal without anyone knowing, these are some of the ways and means whereby practical godliness is engaged.
There is a type of Christianity that has become very prevalent today, one in which the principles of God's word are deliberately divorced from our everyday experiences, and when it is harbored and indulged, the Christian life becomes a mere profession, with no real guts or glory behind it. After hearing a soul stirring sermon on the mount, we are to synthesize what we learned in the valley of everyday life, and when this is done by the grace and power of God, the Christian's life can never be boring, because constant, actual growth is taking place.
This is what the apostle Peter was alluding to when he expounded on the plan of addition as it pertains to the active virtues to be manifested and developed in the Christian's life. Let's read:
2nd Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As practical godliness is brought to bear in our daily experience, the fragrance of Christ's righteousness finds sweetest exercise, and those who come within the sphere of our influence cannot help but be blessed.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to put that which we have seen and felt and handled of the word of God into practice, for if we do, an abundant entrance into God's eternal kingdom will be ministered unto us. Let's read:
2nd Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
May God grant to us today, the necessary grace and strength through His Holy Spirit, that practical godliness may become a living reality, now and forevermore. God bless!