Godliness

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

While the world is always talking about wanting peace, it is a peace that allows everyone to do whatever he wants to do. The world does not have a rock solid standard of how to live life, it is up to each individual and each situation.

When everyone is living by his own standards, there can be no real peace.

Paul encourages that all types of prayer be made for everyone, especially kings and those in authority. The purpose of the prayer is so that they may live peacefully in all godliness and holiness.

Most people in the church desire peace across the world and will pray for it on a regular basis. Some will pray for the leaders of their nations and lower level governmental officials.

However, just like the world, they pray for it so that they can live as they want, not necessarily as God wants them to live.

Many churches have peace with the world, because they are living as the world does–in sin. The standards of godliness and holiness are often put to the side, causing the church to look and act like the world does.

Jesus did not come to remove sins so that one could sin more, but so that he could live a godly and holy life as a witness to this dark and dying world. Every believer is to live a life that is separate from the world.

Prayer and thanksgiving must be made for every leader, so that the believer may be able to live a godly and holy life in peace.

Each and every day take time to pray and give thanks for those who are leaders over you from the workplace all the way up to national leaders. Pray that God will work in their lives in such a way that they allow you to live a godly and holy life.

Then, instead of living like the world in sin, live as Jesus did–in godliness and holiness in everything you think, say and do. Turn away from all sin to God. This is what will please God and why Jesus died and rose again for you.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will pray and give thanks to God for all leaders in authority above you; that you will live a holy and godly life like Jesus; and that you will be give peace to live for God.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:8

All across the world people are seeking more wealth. They want to have more things and can never get enough. The desire for more and more is with most people, especially when they compare themselves with others.

This desire is also increased greatly when they see advertisements everywhere that they need something new that they don’t have and that will make their life better.

Many people will sacrifice nearly everything and anything in order to get more. They will work extra hours and sacrifice family and friends for more.

Paul tells Timothy a very simple formula to gain. It is to have godliness with contentment.

When God created Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, He gave them everything that they needed in abundance. Instead of being content, they wanted more. Ultimately they wanted God’s knowledge and power. This led to their downfall and being cast out of the garden.

Later Jesus dies for mankind and provides everything that they could ever need–an abundant life. All one has to do to get this abundant life is to believe in and follow Jesus.

Yet, many choose to follow the sinful ways of the world, rather than God. In doing so, they may gain some physical things, but they will lose everything in the end, including their lives.

All a person really needs is a little food, a little clothing and a little shelter to survive in this world. To live for eternity, all he needs is the salvation provided for by Jesus.

Many believers have fallen into the same trap as the world of being greedy and wanting more. They are never content with what God has given them. Or else they are content, but not living Godly lives.

Each one must be living for God in His ways, and be content with what God provides. You may or may not have as much as your neighbor, but if you have food, clothing, shelter and eternal life, you have all that you need.

Do not allow yourself to be caught up in the greed, sin and discontentment that this fallen world promotes. Live the holy life God has called you to live. Trust God for all of your day-to-day provisions.

As you trust God, you will have an abundant life with more than you need to live life here on this earth.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will follow all of God’s commands; that you will live a holy life unto God; that you will trust God for all of your needs; that you will see God’s hand of provision for your life; and that you will be content with what God is blessing you with.