“Strive For Godliness In God’s Work!”

“Strive For Godliness In God’s Work!”
*In our generation the gap between what is, and what ought seems to be getting wider and wider. In his letter to Timothy Paul instructs on *how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God…”*
These instructions have become a strong guideline for the (s)election of those who serve in the church in different capacities. Alas!!!
Godliness as such is a great mystery: the incarnation of Jesus Christ in all aspects is the secret that produces piety in people.
This mystery which is written in poetic form suggests that it was an early creed.
“He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
This is the source of godliness. To aspire to lead in God’s house this godliness must be a character guide for (s)election. One must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, must be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family and see that the children obey him with proper respect…”(I Tim.3:1-16).
A critical reading of this text shows that Paul discriminates against women; just as it was in Judaism. Secondly the text presupposes that the congregation has polygamists; but to be an overseer or deacon the man must be “the husband of but one wife.” While the African churches have opposed Paul of the issue of women being leaders in the church, they have naively sidelined the issue of the justification of polygamists having a place in the church – except not being leaders. (This is a perennial problem in Christianity in the African continent which has to be explored further).
Our main focus today is that we should strive for godlinness if we aspire to serve Jesus Christ in his church. It is worthy to note that all Christians are leaders, so godlinness should be sought for by all within the household of God. God says, “Be holy for I am holy!”
Prayer of the week: Holy Spirit lead me in the path of godliness in the work of Christ. Amen!
Welcome back to a new working week!Have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you!