What does godliness look like? In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul lists five marks of a godly person, whose life is a testimony to others, leading to their salvation.
We are told the godly are a witness in their “speech.” He describes such speech in Ephesians 4:29. “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good to edifying, fitting the occasion, so that it may impart grace to those who hear.” Each day we should play back a mental tape of our speech, and ask, “Has my tongue testified that I am godly?”
Secondly, the godly are a witness in their “conduct;” that is their manner of life, their behavior. Peter describes salt-and-light conduct in 1 Peter 2:12: “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” These good deeds may include acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or support during a personal struggle.
Third, the godly are a witness in their “love.” Jesus also describes the power of love to testify. He tells us in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” There are many ways love may be expressed to those around us, but one practical way is to pray with those who are hurting, searching, wounded, or betrayed. Whether co-workers, unsaved family members, or classmates, nearly everyone receives as love the simple question, “May I pray with you right now about that?” I have prayed with people in stairways, hallways, convenience stores, waiting rooms, living rooms, or locker rooms in just such a way. It is a simple, practical, effective manner to show the love of Christ to others.
Fourthly, the godly are a witness in their “faith.” Paul gives us practical guidance to this end in Titus 2:9-10: “Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.” Applications in the classroom, workplace, or neighborhood are obvious. Our words, actions, attitudes, relationships, and the respect we show for those in authority over us all put our faith on display, to the glory of God.
Finally, the godly are a witness in their “purity.” The term used here is sometimes translated “virginity;” Paul is speaking of purity in the sexual realm. We live in what some have referred to as a moral cesspool-a world awash in impurity and immorality. In that world we shine as lights if we keep ourselves unstained by the moral impurity of the world (Philippians 2:14-15).
A life not lived in vain, that leads to salvation of others is a life that is godly; that is, a life that demonstrates the power of the Gospel in its speech, acts, love, faith, purity. If you think how you live in nobody else’s business, you’re wrong. Your life is tied to the salvation of others.
An ungodly life is like a banner on the freeway, “The Gospel is false; belief in Christ is a sham.” In contrast, a godly life is like a magnet to draw others to find salvation in Christ. Either way, the salvation of others hangs in the balance. So pay close attention to your life. It is either a denial or affirmation of the Gospel to those with whom you come into contact every day.
