The Most Profitable Thing In The World
Train yourself to be godly. For … godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Godliness is often associated with individuals past the age of 65. But it may surprise you to learn that Paul talked more about godliness in his letters to two young disciples (Timothy and Titus) than in any of his other correspondence.
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Johann Peter Lange comments on the practical importance of making godliness your goal.
WALK WITH JOHANN PETER LANGE
“That godliness is profitable for all things, and thus the most profitable thing in the world, cannot be too strongly enforced against an abstract idealism on one side, and an irreligious materialism on the other.
“There are many who know that godliness is good for a peaceful death but do not hold it necessary for a happy life. Many others think faith very beautiful for the poor, the weak, the suffering, and the dying, but not for real, able, practical people.
“It must always be remembered that the gospel is a power which grasps the whole person. The true Christian is not only the happiest person, but the bravest citizen, the best patriot, the greatest leader. In a word, the Christian is, in all relations, a co-worker with God and an honor to Christ.”
WALK CLOSER TO GOD
“Godliness … is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). It is also a great challenge—a balance between two equally ungodly extremes.
On the one hand is “abstract idealism,” as characterized by Simeon Stylites, a fifth-century ascetic who lived atop a pillar most of his life in an attempt to become “saintly.” On the other is “irreligious materialism” leading to a preoccupation with wealth.
Genuine godliness makes “real, able, practical” Christians—men and women who respond to God and government, family and society, as he intended—regardless of their age.
