A Reasonable Service

‘But godliness with contentment is great gain’ (1Tim 6:6). Godliness in KJV is translated from the Greek word ‘eusebia.’Here the apostle gives a classic recipe for living in a changing world. Godliness is practical Christian life centered on God. In our times we see around us a subtle shift from God,- and prosperity theology is merely a symptom, and if one comes to believe that practical Christian life is what is centered on material riches than contentment we need not be surprised. In the age of instant gratification where consumerism is vigorously practised no one wants to be left out or be considered a square. For a cool generation and ‘wannabes’ the verse from the third epistle of S. John must hold special significance. The elder writes thus, ‘…I wish above all things that thou prosper…’
If we study the Pauline epistles closely we shall see that he exhorts us to practise godliness so our lives no matter whatever clime or culture we live in, are fully engaged with God.
Godliness thus must be seen as an integral and essential part of Christian growth where we yield to God through Jesus Christ at every step.
God is Truth and also Love.We perfect Truth through Love though we in both departments are deficient. In our insufficiency and admission of being imperfect we are letting God to work. This is the most vital part of godliness. How does He work? It may be that the soul convicts us, or the Word instructs us a way different than we are accustomed to.
One may ask what is the goal of godliness ?
In conforming to the world we are lumped along with the world. A new birth is where we transform our world-view. We develop sensitivity to discern what is holy and acceptable to God. As St. Paul says, ‘ we need to be transformed by the renewed by our mind.’(Rom12:1-3) In hitching truth a notch higher or love demonstrated by Jesus Christ into our lives we are increasing in knowledge (2 Pe 1:6, 1Tim 6:11).
Godliness is a sober life and living to the full being conscious God is at the centre of his life.
benny