“…..But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of life that now is, of that which is to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8(KJV)
We have, by yesterday, briefly examined the life of two individuals in the bible that lived godly and their lives gave credence to the assertion that godliness is profitable in all things. We will today be looking at the lives of another two outstanding personality whose lives resonates through generations.
We have the case of David whose love for God is unequalled. A ruddy forgotten shepherd son of Jesse who, through his life as a shepherd, developed a deep love for God and lived godly. No genuine lover of God lives carelessly. The desire to please God kept the fear of God in David’s heart. He put his complete and total trust in God in defending his sheep and providing for them. God helped him because he found favour with him. David wrote most of the Psalms which reflected his personality. From the very beginning of the Psalm, David the Psalmist stated thus; “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” – Psalm 1: 1-2(KJV). David spelt out clearly the attribute of a man living in godliness. He resonated almost verbatim Joshua 1:8. The Psalmist did not stop at the expected attribute of a godly personality but revealed the benefits of living godly: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” – Psalm 1:3(KJV). David writings and saying is a reflection of a life that is totally depended on God. ´The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”” Psalm 23:1(KJV). Throughout the book of Psalm David’s character is reflected by his words and deep rooted love for God. It is no wonder that his godly disposition landed him on the throne of Israel.
Apostle Paul is another example who excelled in life and ministry due to a life dedicated to godliness. His life exemplified a standard for Christian living. Paul’s advise to his spiritual son in Timothy 6:11(KJV) speaks for itself about the godly life of Paul; “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness”. You cannot give what you don’t have. Paul was writing to Timothy from the depth of his exemplary life. Paul further said in 1 Timothy 6:6(KJV) “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” This is what he has practiced and can attest to it. Due to his level of godly living, Paul can say confidently in 1 Corinthians 11:1(KJV): “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” This is the height of godliness. Apostle Paul’s integrity is borne out of a godly life in Christ. Hear what he said in 2 Timothy 3:12(KJV) “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. Hear Paul assert the abundance that is in godliness. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. Again in 2 Corinthians 8:9(KJV) he further wrote “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich”. Paul was categorical in declaring that godliness is profitable in all things.
Dear reader, living a godly life is profitable spiritually, materially, academically, financially and so on. It also gives us guarantee and assurance of a life in heaven. It is therefore pertinent that you think of these things. The need to look inward and asked ourselves the question –where am I heading to? After this life what next? What will be my gain if after I died I realize there is heaven and Hell? Please note that there is no repentance in the grave.
Prayer: O God my father grant me the grace that was upon David and Paul to live godly before you.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo