Paul once said, “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Notice the word godliness. Only one who knows God can possess godliness because godliness is to be like God. I find it difficult to be like someone I am rarely around. When we spend time with people, they typically start to rub off on us. This is why James follows his statement about friendship with the world with, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). God wants to spend time with you so that you can become like Him. We become godly through intimate knowledge of God, and the only way we can develop this deep relationship with God is through His Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2).

Often when believers read, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God,” they immediately try to completely distance themselves from the world. This, of course, makes no sense. How can the Church ever win the world if it detaches itself from humanity? As a Church, we must look to Jesus as our model. The lost were drawn to Jesus. He walked the streets and fellowshipped with tax collectors and prostitutes, the very people the religious leaders looked down upon. He even attended their parties—but something was different about Him. Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to be in the world but not of it. His heart broke for those the religious zealots shunned. Why was He so committed to the people the “godly” despised? Because He knew they were humble and hungry for a greater purpose. He did not attend their parties to be a part of what they pursued; He was there to show them a new way.

Likewise, we are called to reach out to the morally depraved and broken. If the Church will not be Christ’s hands and feet, then who will? We—and we alone—are His Body. Through the transformational power of grace, we are now in Christ. We serve as His ambassadors (an extension and representation of who He is) on the earth. If we do not carry God’s truth and light to this world, no one will.

Day 3

The Silent Gentleman

As I have walked with the Holy Spirit, I have discovered that He is a gentleman. He will never impose His will on us. If we refuse to engage with Him, He will be silent.

I have been traveling and ministering for over twenty-five years. During this time, I have noticed something about the drivers who pick me up from airports. They are always kind and extremely helpful, providing pertinent details and instructions for my stay and time of ministry. But typically, they will not speak to me unless I engage them in conversation. This is because their pastors instruct them not to, in case I need to work or prepare for the service while in the car. I have had many wonderful, servant-hearted drivers over the years and am very grateful for them. For this reason, I make a point of asking my driver about his family and his connection to the church. If I don’t initiate, we may go the whole car ride without any meaningful conversation.