Who are you following? It shows.
Last week, I opened a two-part article on piety, a term that we have largely lost in modern language use. In starting off by dismantling some misconceptions that we likely have held surrounding this idea, hopefully we can get to a place of better understanding of the life Christ has called us to.
So again, I defined piety as directing one’s whole life toward God in changing your heart by seeing yourself as Jesus sees you. When we are living each day rooted in Christ, the world and those around us will take notice.
The fruits of the Spirit
As we develop more in Christ-likeness, we will love more deeply, have more everlasting joy, experience greater levels of patience, be kinder to those around us, strengthen our good conduct, be more faithful in all that we do, show gentleness in our strength, and maintain greater self-control of our thoughts and actions. Our fruit only comes as the result of true connectedness with the Source of Life.
Deep-rooted gratitude
As we live a life of piety, our gratitude will begin to inform everything we do. Over and over again, the psalmist talks about thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness and all that He has done for us, in us, and through us. Thankfulness helps us to hold on to material things less tightly; and a worshipful heart shows us how to let go of offenses done by others.
A character of freedom
As we live the way that Jesus models, we will experience an overarching freedom throughout all aspects of our being. The teacher in Ecclesiastes noted that throwing all restraint by the wayside is “meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Rather, the freedom of the Father is obtained in learning and abiding by a system of healthy guidelines, such as forgiveness, sacrificial love, and servant-heartedness. Being counter-cultural (to Western standards), these habits will inevitably cause the world to take notice.
Ever-deepening Christian maturity
As our love for God and His will grows, our spiritual life will develop into further maturity. In pointing ourselves toward the Almighty One, the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to guide each of our steps. We begin to experience a greater sensitivity to the needs of others, become more courageous at being recognized as followers of Christ, and find ourselves increasingly dwelling on the things of the Father. And the things that we store in the heart will surely be made known through our actions and words.
Learning the Good Shepherd’s ways is a daily exercise, it’s not always easy or pleasant, and we won’t always get it right on the first try. Even so, it is worth every ounce of effort and pleases our Creator more than we could ever understand.
May you be encouraged this week as you take steps to live more and more in a spirit of genuine piety for Christ,
