GODLINESS IN AN UNGODLY WORLD

GODLINESS IN AN UNGODLY WORLD

By Russell S. Miller

Of the first two children born into this world, Cain bludgeoned his brother, Abel, to death (Gen.4:4-8). And before two more chapters in the history of the human race, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, are passed, we read these words:

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
"And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart" (Gen.6:5,6).

The seeds of wickedness and sin, millennia ago and through the years, continue to produce such ungodliness in our world today. But how are we to live "godly" in such an ungodly world? The answers to this, and many other questions, are found in Pauls epistles.

"FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES, INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE" (Rom.11:13).

And the Apostle Paul, Gods man for today, continues in Romans to declare:

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Rom.12:17-19).

In I Thessalonians 4:1-12, Paul instructs believers how they ought to walk and to please God, and furthermore, in Galatians, he declares:

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Gal.5:16).

In the midst of all this ungodliness, believers are to manifest God in their lives:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
"And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.
"If we live in the Spirit, LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT"
(Gal.5:22-25).

Were speaking about "godliness". Remember "the Judgement Seat of Christ", is much closer today than it has ever been before! Are you ready to meet the Lord (IICor.5:10)?