An Overlooked Aspect of Godliness

It was about two or three years ago that I was speaking to a group of young people about godliness. I defined godliness in a basic way as “God-likeness”. Of course, there are ways in which one can never be like God – attributes that are not shared. For instance, mankind is not omniscient, omnipresent, or innately Almighty (nor will we ever be). Furthermore, we are not self-existent and certainly not self-sufficient.

But there are aspects of God's nature and character which mankind can reflect. In fact, such is His plan.

Romans 8:1 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Manifesting His character to a sinful world “glorifies” the Lord. That is, it accurately conveys God and manifests His value (glory).

As I spoke to those young people, I began listing aspects of “godliness” that can and should be true of us. I was surprised when a girl – an unchurched girl – spoke up. It wasn’t her speaking that surprised me, but the quality that she suggested as an aspect of godliness. Before I tell you what she suggested, let’s quickly review what might be a usual list of character qualities that would define most people’s perception of godliness: being wise, just, loving, merciful, compassionate, pure, and holy. But this girl said, “Brave.”

Is bravery an aspect of godliness? That suggestion was outside of what I had previously considered, but then I thought of Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Boldness and bravery are at least first cousins.

It is interesting to note that the word translated “bold” in Proverbs 28:1 is also defined as "to trust". This connection makes sense because trust is the confidence one has when he is aware of the adequacy of his resources. More broadly, one trusts when he knows the possible outcomes and perceives that his resources (ability, strength, training, protection, equipment, etc.) are equal to the task. One becomes “bolder” in any area of life when he senses that he has what it takes to be successful (or in a different context, victorious).

The righteous man – the person who conforms his life to the revealed nature of God – is bold like a lion. The righteous man, understanding the nature of God and conforming his life to God’s design, is assured of God’s blessing. How could it be otherwise? Rebellion brings alienation, which results in destruction. But obedience and conformity bring blessing. Thus, the righteous man knows (or should know) that he possesses his Creator’s blessing (guidance, wisdom, strength, and so much more) as he relies upon and obeys Him. He is not confident in himself but in God's ability to work all things for his good. He knows that God is his unfailing, unwavering, and ever-present help.

So, is God brave? Is God bold? Absolutely. God is not timid about anything. Nor is He rash. He exists with perfect knowledge and all power to accomplish what He desires. God is never afraid or tentative. He doesn’t second guess Himself.

The question remains, then, how are His children to imitate this quality? The lion's boldness is instinctive; our (godly) boldness is learned. First, we must understand our God. It can be difficult, even for committed disciples, to fully grasp the trustworthiness of God. His way is perfect. His understanding is infinite. He is the Almighty, and we must “trust in” Him with all our hearts. “Trusting in” Him means recognizing that He is absolutely trustworthy, that He reveals Himself accurately, and that “all [His] works are truth” (Daniel 4:37).

Then, when we know what He wants us to do, we must obey, being confident that He will enable and guide us as we obey. We can be bold.

We should stand bravely in defense of truth as it has been revealed by God. We should approach God boldly. We should speak to men boldly. I am not referring here to that harsh, caustic, overbearing, or derogatory rhetoric of the arrogant and insecure when they speak from their pulpits without the threat of opposition. I mean that we should not be timid about truth. We should not second guess God. We should not hesitate to obey. We should know God, and, knowing Him, we should move forward in His plan without fear, doubt, or intimidation. As God works “in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure", remember to be confident within the parameters of His design and desire for your life. Be godly; be brave.