Influence that makes an impact
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 1 Timothy 4:7-10
We live in a broken world. The call for every believer is to provide a relevant alternative that will influence others to seek life’s purpose in having a relationship with God. From the text, the apostle Paul admonished Timothy to be discerning to what appears spiritual yet upon comparing to biblical truth they are religious myths. Instead he challenged Timothy to apply truths he learned from God’s word for they will produce godly living. He is encouraging Timothy to recognize the value of pursuing godly living. As Paul told Timothy, godly living “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” There is gain in living a godly life. Daniel’s life provided an example of what happens when a believer labors to live out godly living. Not only he manifested his faithfulness to God and His word, but he also had the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of the Babylonian kings. By remaining firm in his convictions, Daniel faced threats to his life. But he did not waver to His commitment to God. Thus, God used his testimony that King Darius made this remark referring to the God whom Daniel worships; “For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth” (Daniel 6:26, 27). All Daniel wanted to do is to be obedient to God following His will for his life. He was confronted with difficult consequences because of his actions. Yet he remained humble and steadfast. Doing what is right in the sight of God might lead to criticism and ridicule. And God wants His children to remain strong in their commitment and that they will carry out His will for their lives. Like in the life of Daniel, others are watching how true you are to your claim that you believe in God and that He is sovereign over your life. Eventually, your example of godly living will produce a harvest of lives recognizing God’s reign over their lives. True godliness is centered on a life lived in the truth of God’s word.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com