THE GRACE THAT LEADS TO GODLINESS

The biggest reason that many people do not grow in their relationship with God is that they never completely surrender their lives to God. Their desires for this world are still stronger than their desires to follow God. As a result, they can easily be persuaded by the ways of this world. Many young people are compromising their integrity in their relationships, especially in the area of sexual intimacy. Many employees are not working in the way they are supposed to according to the Word of God. Parents are neglecting their responsibilities to raise their children in a godly way. Yet, they call themselves followers of our Lord Jesus. Today's devotion is not meant to put us down, but to encourage us to change and live a life that is worthy to honor our God in everything that we do. Through God's grace, we are saved and forgiven of our sins to live a new life in Him. If we continue to live in sin, we are not pleasing God, but we are still pleasing ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We can go to church every Sunday and serve in the church, but it doesn't give us the right to continue living in sin. We cannot follow God, yet continue to choose to rebel against God.

Ultimately, we will walk away from God entirely if we do not make a commitment to follow God wholeheartedly. God's grace leads us to a life of integrity. We follow God in the eyes of people around us, and we follow God in our private lives. If we want to maximize the life that God has for us and enjoy the freedom we have in His grace, there is only one way to live our lives: we must live in godliness. Titus 2:11-14 says, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."

The grace of God guides us towards living a life of godliness. So, let us walk away from sinful ways that lead to guilt, shame, and destruction, and let us pursue godliness that leads to joy, security, and peace in our Lord Jesus. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How can I continue growing in my relationship with God? Is there an area of my life that is not completely surrendered to God? What must I do to surrender them to God that I may live a godly life that leads to joy, peace, and security in my Lord Jesus? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please forgive me if I have not been living a godly life in certain areas of my life. I surrender everything to you because I want to live a life that pleases you. You are my God and Savior. Please help me let go of the ways of this world and pursue godliness. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.