We have all heard the expression “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. What does this mean? What are we getting at when we say that cleanliness is “next” to godliness? It seems to me that we are saying that the only thing more important in life than being physically clean is being spiritually clean. Wouldn’t you agree with this? After all, most of us shower every day (at least once) and would never think of being seen in public without a certain level of hygiene. Being clean is very important.

Therefore, if cleanliness is next to godliness, what is godliness next to? The answer: nothing. Godliness is next to nothing in terms of its importance for our lives. I wonder if this is really how we live our lives. How many of us spend consistent time every day to make sure that our bodies are clean and yet give relatively little thought to whether or not we are pursuing godliness? Could it be that in the Christian Church things like cleanliness are actually more important than godliness?

I. What is Godliness?

Godliness is defined by the Easton Bible Dictionary as “the whole of practical piety”. It goes on to say that “It supposes knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience.” When we use the word “godliness,” we are referring to the quality of life that is God-centered and reverent, consistent and obedient. It is fueled by faith and governed by the word of God. It describes our quest to have our whole lives be conformed to the image of God (Rom 8:29).

II. What does the Bible say about Godliness? Godliness….

A. Requires Discipline

1 Timothy 4:7-8 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Anyone desiring to run a marathon must train. You don’t just wake up one day and decide to run a marathon. It is the same with our lives in the spiritual realm. A consistent and godly life requires discipline. Often I think we wait to just be “zapped” with a godly character. During our earthly lives, though, the pursuit of godliness is by nature a struggle. If your life is to be one that exemplifies God’s character, it will require a strong commitment to discipline.

(See also 1 Timothy 6:11 2 Peter 1:6 and Titus 2:12)

B. Involves a doctrinal commitment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness…We see in Titus 1:1 that there is a knowledge that is according to godliness. Most of the time we think that knowledge is simply academic and obedience is simply practical. These verses teach us that there is a link between what we think and what we do. We must pursue sound doctrine as a act of devotional reverence. The seeking of truth is a vital aspect of our walk with Christ.

(See also 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 Timothy 6:3)

C. Is shown in how we dress (especially women)

1 Timothy 2:10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

Modesty is very important to godliness. This is because godliness itself is that quality which points others to God and away from ourselves. Dressing immodestly does just the opposite. It draws everyone’s attention to us and away from God.

The reason why I write that this is especially for women is that women are the ones being addressed by the verse. Men can be just immodest as women, but since women are more physically beautiful than men this poses a particularly difficult struggle (generally speaking) for women.

D. Can be faked

2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. (See also 1 Tim 6:5-6)

Not all that glimmers is gold. Also, not everybody in church is godly. We must be very careful to distinguish between external piety and internal piety. As James says, “faith without works is dead”, but remember works without faith is hypocrisy and legalism.

E. Should be pursued by praying for our government

1 Timothy 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

I recently saw on the news that a Pastor was making headlines by publicly praying that President Obama would be killed. Such “prayer” is a disgrace, no matter what side of the political fence you find yourself on. Rather, we should pray that God would work on the president’s heart in order that our freedom to pursue godliness would be preserved.

F. Should be pursued in light of eternity

1 Timothy 4:8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (See also 2 Peter 3:11)

Our practice of godliness is training for eternity. When we finally shed the effects of the fall by God’s grace, we will be much less inhibited in our worship of God. Until then, we are called on to strive as much as we can and long for that day.

G. Is completely provided for in Christ

2 Peter 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Our lack of godliness is not God’s fault…it is ours. He has given us what we need. It is up to us, then to make use of the means of grace in order to grow in godliness.

H. Is essential to a confident and happy life

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Our conscience is the key to our joy. Have you ever tried to put on a happy face when you knew inside that you were far from God. A lifestyle of godliness is a joyful lifestyle because it is a life free of guilt. The question, then, becomes, “How is your conscience?” Unfortunately, our conscience tends to dull with neglect. There are few things more dangerous than a seared conscience, but a clear conscience is a fountain of joy.

I. Is sometimes expressed in sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

How would you know it if your house caught fire in the middle of the night? Hopefully, you have smoke detectors. When smoke detectors go off they are loud and annoying, but the consequence of removing them can be deadly. It is the same thing with godliness. When we disobey God our conscience makes us miserable…and that is a good thing. Our conscience not only exists to lead us into joy, but also to lead us out of the misery of sin. Sometimes a little godly sorrow is just what we need for the preservation of godly joy.

J. Guarantees some level of persecution

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Godliness will cost you in this world. As stated above, it will cost you in discipline and in terms of your emotions. It will also cost you in terms of human relationships. Those who hate your God will hate you for acting like Him. Those who see God as an enemy to happiness will see you as a barrier between them and the life they desperately desire. The more your life shows God to the world, the more their rejection of God will manifest in a rejection of you.

III. How do we grow in Godliness?

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for godliness. There are only 3 ingredients: 1. Obedience, 2. Time and 3. Obedience over time. To grow in godliness we need to be consistent in all the little things that prepare us for the big things. We need to read the Bible, pray, repent when we fail and be patient with ourselves as we learn from our mistakes.

May God continue to bless you all as you continue to grow in godliness.

Cleanliness is next to godliness. So what is godliness next to? It is next to nothing. Nothing is more important than godliness. Even though true godliness is rare and difficult, it is worth all the effort because it provides for us the basis of great joy and peace. Would you be able to honestly say that your devotional life is more constant than your daily shower? Are you more committed to godliness or cleanliness?

1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.