The Benefits of Godliness
I have long wanted to write a book titled, If Being a Christian Is So Dull and Boring, Then Why Am I So Busy and Happy? Obviously, that title is much too long, but the feelings behind it are real and, much more important, NEEDED. People think that God-fearing people are lackluster boneheads who never have any fun. It is true that our lives lack a certain kind of excitement--brawling, getting into deviltry, and cussing the mitre right off a bishop's head. But let's get real now. Who needs that? If that is fun, I sure don't want any of it.
So what do godly people do for fun? St. Paul in the biblical book of Ephesians (4:29-32) advises us Christians to build each other up. Help our neighbor or fellow Christian when he/she is down and vice versa. Help each other improve our godly character traits or improve the work we are doing in the Lord's service. And the like. Now there's real joy in that! It's rewarding to know that you're helping each other become better persons. "Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, and slander," Paul says. Gladly. I've been there just long enough to know that none of those attitudes feels very good. Be honest now; is that not true? I think almost everyone's been there at least once. "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving," Paul adds. Even speaking selfishly, there is great recompense from others when you treat them this way. Plus, you don't have time to become self-obsessed when your heart is turned regularly towards the needs of the hurting. That looks like a happier picture to me.
Forgiving is sometimes hard, especially if you were unjustly or deeply hurt. So St. Paul adds at this point, "(forgive,) just as in Christ God forgave you." That makes it so much easier. We don't deserve the forgiveness of God for falling short of what we could and should be at all times, so why should we expect more from others than God does from us? If and when you do forgive a deeply hurtful or unforgivable act, there is a magnificent blessing, a special kind of joy, that comes with it. It is as though the angels themselves have something special to rave about. Been there. Done that. And it was great!
Godliness not only brings benefits. It is a wonderful way to live, bringing long-time adherents lasting peace and enduring joy.
Thanking God for all His benefits,
Margaret
P.S. This post was published for Tuesday, July 3rd
So what do godly people do for fun? St. Paul in the biblical book of Ephesians (4:29-32) advises us Christians to build each other up. Help our neighbor or fellow Christian when he/she is down and vice versa. Help each other improve our godly character traits or improve the work we are doing in the Lord's service. And the like. Now there's real joy in that! It's rewarding to know that you're helping each other become better persons. "Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, and slander," Paul says. Gladly. I've been there just long enough to know that none of those attitudes feels very good. Be honest now; is that not true? I think almost everyone's been there at least once. "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving," Paul adds. Even speaking selfishly, there is great recompense from others when you treat them this way. Plus, you don't have time to become self-obsessed when your heart is turned regularly towards the needs of the hurting. That looks like a happier picture to me.
Forgiving is sometimes hard, especially if you were unjustly or deeply hurt. So St. Paul adds at this point, "(forgive,) just as in Christ God forgave you." That makes it so much easier. We don't deserve the forgiveness of God for falling short of what we could and should be at all times, so why should we expect more from others than God does from us? If and when you do forgive a deeply hurtful or unforgivable act, there is a magnificent blessing, a special kind of joy, that comes with it. It is as though the angels themselves have something special to rave about. Been there. Done that. And it was great!
Godliness not only brings benefits. It is a wonderful way to live, bringing long-time adherents lasting peace and enduring joy.
Thanking God for all His benefits,
Margaret
P.S. This post was published for Tuesday, July 3rd
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