Godliness

What do you think of when you hear the words “godliness” or “godly”? We know these are Bible words, since they occure often enough in Scripture—both positively (“godly” or “godliness”) and negatively(“ungodly” or “ungodliness”). But what do these words mean? What does it mean to be “godly”?

Let me first note that both terms come from the same Greek word—so they mean the same thing. It’s just that “godliness” is the noun, while “godly” is the adjective. “Okay. So what does it mean?” Well, one common misconception is that “godliness” means “God-like-ness.” In other words, to be “godly” is to be like God. Now that may sound good, and it is certain that those who possess “godliness” will be more like God. But “godliness” does not mean “God-like-ness.”

Eusebeia is the Greek word most commonly translated “godliness” (Tit. 1:12; 1 Tim. 3:7), though at times, we may find “piety” (Acts 3:12 –NASB) or “devout” (Acts 10:2 – NASB). This word describes an attitude towards God that is reflected in one’s actions. It “denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him” (Vine’s, p. 502); it involves “sacred awe” and “describes reverence exhibited in actions”(ibid, p.310). The point is that “godliness” is more than just an attitude; it is an attitude that motivates activity. Simply put, a “godly” person is one who stands in such awe of God that he is moved to do whatever pleases God; he is devoted to God.

Now what this says is that true “godliness” requires anawesome sense of the greatness of God. The more impressed we are with Who God is and the more we
stand in awe of His greatness, the more “godly” we will become. And it is exactly this sense of awe and respect for God that is lacking in “ungodly” men. The
“ungodly” are not necessarily those who deny the existance of God; they aren’t atheists. “Ungodly” men oftn believe God exists; they just live as if He does not. Their attitude towards God is not reverent enough to move them to obey God.

And yet this was the human condition when Christ died for us! He died for us while we were yet sinners…while we were yet “ungoldy” (Rom. 5:6). Above all other things about God, this awesome demonstration of His love (Rom. 5:7-8) ought to cause every one of us to stand in awe of Him. Like nothing else, the sacrifice of Jesus ought to impress us with the goodness and greatness of our God. And if that sense of awe does not move us to do whatever pleases Him, tehn we haven’t yet been impressed enough!

Sometimes we sing this about God: “You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words, too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing every seen or heard. Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of Your love? You are beautiful beyond description, majesty enthroned above. And I stand, I stand in awe of You; I stand, I stand in awe of You. Holy God to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!” People who truly stand in awe of God will nto be able to help themselves! Their awe of Him will turn to reverence and respect; and their reverence
will move tehn to do whatever is pleasing to Him…and the Bible word for that is “godliness.”