THINGS GODLY PEOPLE DO DIFFERNTLY
There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to walk in the light of God's love, and those who choose to walk in darkness. True happiness, the kind that endures, doesn't come from worldly success, fleeting pleasures, or the approval of man. It flows from a deep relationship with our Creator, a wellspring of joy that transcends circumstance. As it is written, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4) Godly people cultivate this joy through spiritual disciplines and a heart postured toward Him. They live differently, reflecting the transformative power of His grace.
How do they do this? They embody the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and walk in His precepts.
1. Forgive as Christ Forgave: Godly people understand that holding onto grudges is a form of spiritual bondage. Just as Christ forgave us, so too we must forgive others. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15) Releasing resentment frees us to experience the fullness of God's peace.
2.Extend Compassion and Kindness: Love is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit, flows naturally from a heart filled with God's love. It is not merely a feeling but an action, reflecting Christ's compassion for the lost and hurting.
3. See Trials as Opportunities for Growth: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4) Godly people understand that trials are not punishments but opportunities to grow closer to God and develop spiritual resilience. They trust in His sovereignty and know that He works all things for our good. (Romans 8:28).
4. Cultivate Gratitude for God's Blessings: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) A grateful heart acknowledges God's hand in all things, both big and small. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been abundantly blessed with, fostering contentment and joy.
5. Dream Big Dreams According to God's Will: "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4) Godly dreams align with God's purpose for our lives. They are not born out of selfish ambition but from a desire to serve Him and advance His kingdom.
6. Cast Anxieties Upon the Lord: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Godly people recognize that worrying is a form of unbelief. They choose to trust in God's provision and cast their anxieties upon Him, finding peace in His perfect love.
7. Speak Words of Edification: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29) Our words should reflect the love and grace of Christ. Gossip and slander have no place in the life of a godly person.
8. Take Responsibility and Seek God's Guidance: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Godly people don't make excuses but take ownership of their mistakes, seeking forgiveness and guidance from God.
9. Live in the Present Moment, Guided by the Holy Spirit: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Godly people are mindful of the present moment, recognizing that it is a gift from God. They seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all they do.
10. Establish Healthy Rhythms of Rest and Renewal: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) Just as God rested on the seventh day, so too should we prioritize rest and renewal. This includes getting adequate sleep and establishing healthy routines.
11. Avoid Comparison and Cultivate Contentment: "But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12) Comparison is a thief of joy. Godly people focus on their own spiritual journey and celebrate the successes of others.
12. Choose Godly Friends and Mentors: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20) Surrounding ourselves with godly influences strengthens our faith and encourages us to live a life pleasing to God.
13. Seek God's Approval Above All Else: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) The desire to please God should be our primary motivation.
14. Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (James 1:19) Listening attentively is a sign of respect and humility. It allows us to learn from others and avoid hasty judgments.
15. Nurture Godly Relationships: "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) Godly relationships are built on love, trust, and mutual respect. They are a source of strength and support in times of need.
. 16 Meditate on God's Word: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:2) Meditating on Scripture allows us to internalize God's truth and apply it to our lives.
17. Nourish Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19) Taking care of our physical health is a spiritual discipline. We should strive to honor God with our bodies.
18. Exercise Faith and Trust in God's Provision: "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8) While physical exercise has some benefit, spiritual exercise—faith and godliness—is far more valuable.
19. Live Simply and Contentedly: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6) Material possessions should not define us. Godly people prioritize spiritual riches over worldly wealth.
20. Speak the Truth in Love: "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (Ephesians 4:15) Honesty is essential in all our interactions. We should speak the truth, but always in a spirit of love.
21. Submit to God's Authority: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Godly people recognize God's authority in their lives and willingly submit to His will.
22. Accept God's Sovereignty and Grace: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Life is full of challenges and uncertainties. Godly people find peace in knowing that God is in control and that He works all things for our ultimate good. They embrace His grace, which is sufficient for all our needs. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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