“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)
“Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
Alright, let’s talk about a myth, or more appropriately a lie, that has infiltrated the minds of believers for far too long. The lie? The lie is this idea that nothing is required on the part of the believer once coming to belief in Christ.
WRONG
I am not entirely sure where this idea came from, but it couldn’t be any further from the truth than it already is. Hear me in this: the forgiveness of sins is absolutely, 100% free. It is something that no human action can ever buy. HOWEVER, this does not mean that there is no action required in order to walk the road of godliness, and remain under the covering of the blood of Jesus.
In Philippians 2:12, Paul says, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”
Work. Work hard. Show the results of your salvation. Obey God. This entire verse demands action on the part of the believer.
Paul makes it very clear in many of his letters that their is action required from the believer. The belief of this not being the case is rooted in a complacency and apathy, which has created a culture of ineffective “Christians.” If we can even really call them that.
When we train ourselves in the way of true godliness, we create an example for others to follow. We reflect the true, authentic lifestyle of being a follower of Christ. And we are commanded to this because we are being watched by the world. Because we are watched by the world, we have become the laughingstock of society. Our lack of godliness makes us merely religious, lacking any true authenticity in the Lord. We spew words that sound religious, but our actions contradict everything we say. And yet, we wonder why God doesn’t send revival?
Wake up, O sleeper. Wake up from your slumber. Wake up from the delusion that you have been sleeping for far too long. Rise up and walk in the path of godliness. Run the race of righteousness. Stand firm on the ground of holiness. This is the only true way to follow Christ. Anything less separates us once again from our Father in Heaven, and we can only blame ourselves for hanging that veil of separation once again.
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