Pursue Godliness

1 Timothy 6:11–12
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [love of riches and dissension]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Pursue Godliness

Yesterday, we looked at what it means to pursue righteousness — living right in the eyes of God. Today, Paul calls us to pursue godliness — living with an awareness of God.

In order to best understand what godliness is, I want to start with what ungodliness is. Jerry Bridges defines it as “living one’s everyday life with little or no thought of God, or of His will or His glory, or of my own dependence on Him.”

With that said, godliness, then, is a life that revolves around God — where His presence, purpose, and pleasure shape everything we do. At its core, godliness is not just about behavior but about devotion — loving God enough to let Him shape your priorities, habits, and desires.

There is more to godliness. Earlier in 1 Timothy 2, Paul writes, “…lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”

So not only is godliness to be pursued — godliness is what pleases God. What does God desire for your life? Godliness! He wants you to live consciously considering Him and responding to Him in all things.

Practical ways to pursue godliness:

• Start your day with God — pray as you awake.

• Find time and ways to worship God.

• Give thanks often.