Holy Conduct and Godliness

2 Peter 3:11-12 “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

When I was asked to give my testimony at our church’s monthly Men’s Fellowship breakfast, I spent almost four days of honest soul searching and prayerful reflection of a Spirit-led life, which landed on a revelation that, whether speaking of your earthly family or your heavenly family, “whose you are has a direct bearing on who you are”. What is really important in life and living is built upon a foundation (solid, stable and strong or weak, shifting and unreliable). Over the years, I’ve seen, heard and experienced many issues, situations, teachings that cut through the distractions and rabbit trails to build godly wisdom and create peace. Know the difference between “right” and “wrong”, then choose to do what is “right” in the eyes of the Lord. Secular humanists, by nature, do what is right in the eyes of themselves. “If it feels good, do it” was the maxim of the godless existentialist, living for today and disregarding the past or the future. Yet, this life philosophy is aligned with the devil and in direct opposition to the sovereign Creator God. Which foundation are you standing and building upon? You cannot have both and the one you choose determines your bent towards life and direction of your walk.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 “ For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Hedonism is defined as the doctrine that personal pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good and pursuit in life. This ungodly belief system based upon pride is epidemic in society and easily manipulated to sway and/or control the masses. Love of “self” is a given. The commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” assumes that you already love and care for yourself. God created mankind, so there is a healthy love and care for that is natural, but excess of anything is unhealthy and has a negative affect. The commandment to “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me” by Jesus is to regulate the overindulgence and restore the balance that God intended for a joyful and fruitful life. The recognition and elimination of sinful vices returns us to a “right” relationship with God and man. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Start by standing on the “right” foundation. The Word of God is our Owner’s Manual with basic instruction on “How I Should Live” as a child of God, saved by grace through faith … faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the “born again” Christian is given the Counselor (the indwelling Holy Spirit) to guide our hearts, minds and steps with love, joy and peace today.

Galatians 5:25-26 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

As sinners forgiven and saved, let us give praise, honor, glory and adoration to God by our unselfish lives, our righteous living and our holy attitude in both.

In Christ, Brian