TODAY IS…

a good day to pursue godliness.

“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”  1 Timothy 6:11 NASB

Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “pursue… godliness” was no casual use of words, nor should it be taken as such by those of us seeking to grow in our faith as maturing Christians.

We should aspire to become living examples for others to follow and if we expect that to happen, we must actively pursue the knowledge, wisdom and guidance that the Bible contains and apply all that we learn to our daily lives.

Learning is not a passive act, nor is it possible to attain godliness without actively pursuing it.

A nationally published survey once estimated that 75% of all American households were in possession of at least one Bible. While it is a definitive first step, owning a Bible is only the first small step in what ideally will turn into a lifelong walk with God.

One need only look around, read the newspaper and popular magazines, watch the news and examine what constitutes the highest rated television programming, to get a very real sense that the first small step is the only step that many of us have ever taken.

It does no good to proclaim to being in possession of the Word of God unless it is being used to help us find God’s hand in order that He might hold tightly onto ours and show us where to walk safely and in a manner that reflects His gentle, loving manner.

To help us know if we are pursuing godliness, we can ask ourselves the following questions:

Do I live my life in a manner that reflects my desire to share my faith with others?

Do I live in a manner that enables me to proudly hold my life up to others as an example of the peace, joy, happiness and fulfillment that comes from living a godly life?

Am I an individual that others look to in times of trouble to provide comfort, strength, compassion, fellowship and understanding as only godliness can provide?

Hopefully our answers are all “yes.” But if not, we need only be more active in our pursuit of godliness.

Read the Bible daily for the help it will provide and pray to God asking for guidance, for the Bible says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7 KJV).

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson