What does godliness look like?

 Read Psalm 1. 

This first song in Israel's hymnbook contrasts a godly person with a wicked person. 

What are the distinguishing characteristics?

1. We are known by the advice to which we listen.

A godly person draws life coaching, first and foremost, from the Scriptures.

A wicked person has ruled God out of his thinking. 

2. We are known by the company we keep.

A godly person desires to be with God's people for worship, learning and service.

A wicked person wants to spend time with those who are rebellious and lead a lawless lifestyle. 

3. We are known by the commitments we make.

A godly person speaks from a pure heart that seeks to meets the needs of others.

A wicked person responds negatively to spiritual things, even mocking and ridiculing.

 

What are the keys to growing in godliness?

1. A godly person delights in what God has to say.

He sees the Scriptures as a pleasure and invaluable to life. 

2. A godly person meditates on what God has to say.

More than reading or studying, meditation has to do with turning it over and over in your mind in order to put it into practice.  Asking, "What does that mean to me and my behavior?" 

 

When does a godly person do this?

Day and night.  It is not a Sunday thing to do.  It is not limited to a daily quiet time.  Godliness is an all the time thing, while we are going about our daily lives.

 

What is the result?

Stability.  A godly person is firmly rooted by the values of the Word of God.

Productivity.  A godly person bears noticeable fruit in his labors.

Prosperity.  A godly person can be recognized by their spiritual vitality no matter where they are.