As Christians we need to realize that there is a difference between morality and Godliness. People who are Godly will be moral, but not all moral people are Godly. Anytime we begin to focus on outward actions more than the condition of the heart, the result is morality without Godliness. Anytime we focus on living a life that is motivated by duty instead of love, the result is morality instead of Godliness. Churches are filled with moral people who fail to ever be Godly. This problem is complicated by the fact that pastors stress external conformity so much that people sitting in the pew are slowly and subtly taught that outward conformity is equal to inward reality. Just because you can throw a football doesn’t mean that you play in the NFL. Just because you do what a Christian is supposed to do doesn’t mean that you are a Christan. Just being moral doesn’t mean that you are Godly. The two are not interchangeable.
We have to get down to the heart of the matter. If you focus on pleasing men you will be moral, but if you focus on please God you will be Godly. If you focus on the external you will be moral, but if you focus on the internal (heart) you will be Godly. If you are content just to go through the motions of Christianity you might be moral, but if you focus on being sincere you will be Godly. Don’t settle to be moral…strive to be Godly.
June 16, 2009 at 5:28 pm
This article is direct and truthful. I enjoyed reading it and agree with you in regard to the matter of morality and Godliness. I feel as though I have often fallen within the realm of morality, but not quite reached the aspired peak of Godliness. Although, I do feel that I attempt to become more like Christ. It is a pendulum effect with me I am afraid. I know that I am saved, but all too often lack the momentum that is needed to keep my focus on moving forward in my walk with the Lord. Could this be because morality is the driving force ? I certainly feel that your writing is thought provoking and I will have to dwell on the matter and pray heavily concerning the topic, as it relates to me.