Am I All Talk?

Daily Reading:  2 Timothy 3

Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power... (2 Timothy 3:5)

Devotional Thought: In 2 Timothy 3, Paul writes to warn Timothy about the godlessness in the “last days.”  He calls these “terrible times” when people will be selfish, greedy, arrogant, cruel, disrespectful, presumptuous, immoral, hateful, bitter, conniving, and hedonistic (vv. 1-4).  Paul concludes his condemning litany by describing people as “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (v. 5).

What does it mean to have a form of godliness, but deny the power of godliness?

• It means to attend church on Sunday, but live like the devil the other six days of the week.

• It means to know the truth, but keep it to yourself.

• It means to serve, but in your own strength.

• It means to claim forgiveness of sins, but continue in sin.

• It means to sing and testify of God’s goodness, but slander and destroy your neighbor’s reputation.

• It means to pray, but not expect answers.

• It means to read the Bible, but not follow its teaching.

So much of what we see and hear today is all about style, but is devoid of substance.  Politicians who repeat carefully crafted words and phrases which mean nothing.  Athletes who claim the value of sportsmanship while running up the score and preening in front of the crowd.  Business and civic leaders who make donations for the recognition.  Entertainers who decry the condition of the poor while living in luxury.  The last thing we need is for this kind of behavior to be found in the church!  The world is seeking sincerity, and we as God’s people must be the first to deliver it! 

God's people must not deal in appearances.  Our walk must match our talk!

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I settle for appearance over power, form instead of substance.  I renounce all insincerity in my faith and earnestly seek your power to live genuinely in your sight.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:41-48

41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;

42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.

44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,

45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,

47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.

48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.