Godly - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) January 14, 2022

Do the people who know you the best think you are godly?

This question came to mind recently and forced an examination of my interactions with family members, friends, and strangers. I had to ask myself whether my behavior reflects that I am a child of God, striving to honor and serve Him. Could the people who knew me the best attest to my desire to live like a member of the Holy Household (Ephesians 2:19)?

Sometimes, I manage to reflect the Kingdom of God in my behavior. When I do not, my goal of always serving as an ambassador of Christ is jeopardized. That is not good especially in light of Acts 1:8 which states, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

A minister I like explained this verse as follows: "Jesus wants us to be witnesses both to talk and to live in such a way we reflect what Jesus has done in our lives." This means our thoughts and our deeds have to align with Him. When this happens, we - the children of God, living godly lives - can bring others to a knowledge of the Truth.

Someone who did this in the Bible was Daniel. Despite living in Babylon, he honored God and was known for his faithfulness to the Lord. It brought him fame and of course, enemies. In fact, he was so godly that the only way his adversaries could attack him was to take advantage of his unquestionable love for God. Their devious scheme seemed to succeed because Daniel was tossed into a lion's den for failing to bow to the king's image. Praise the Lord, God shut the mouths of the lions, sparing Daniel's life. This miracle resulted in King Darius declaring in Daniel 6:26-27: “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

One man's godly life led to millions being introduced to the existence of God Almighty and His praises being lifted up by a pagan king. We can, and should do the same in this day and age so as to usher others into the Kingdom.

Sure, whether someone sees us as godly is not as important as how God sees us. Nevertheless, Daniel's experience shows how important a genuine walk with the Lord is. It will not only protect from evil but also cause our God to be glorified. We need to aspire for this - to live lives that reflect well of our King. As William Thoms once said, "Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads."

So, ask yourself, are you godly? Are you putting in the effort to be? Would someone describe you as such? God wants us to be frank with ourselves so we shed whatever encumbers us from walking in the New Attitude of Faith and Confidence that His children are expected to embody. Let us not be like those who mimic 'godliness'. Let us each shed all hypocrisy to become the children God expects us to be - children who resemble Him in deeds and thoughts.

See you at Noon EST. God bless you and yours.