There are many people today who would claim that Christianity is a burdensome religion which restricts the happiness of those who practice it, but in reality the Bible teaches us that there are great advantages to living the godly life. Godliness most definitely pays spiritually, but it will lead to a better life in a physical sense as well. In fact, the unbeliever could even live a better life (although unsaved) by adopting Biblical principles for living. The most important reason to live a godly life is to be pleasing to God, but there are many benefits that come with godliness that the world will notice too. Let’s consider some of the advantages of living a godly life.
1. Godliness will benefit us financially. Now understand up front that I am in no way stating we should lower the divine standard to appeal for a way to gain materially. But, a godly life will bring more financial security to the Christian indirectly when they apply Biblical principles for living. Some in the New Testament attempted to follow Christ for material gain and soon learned they were heading down the wrong path (John 6:26,27). We have to look at the overall picture. If we live according to the principles set forth in the New Testament, over time we will reap the benefits of good living. The Bible teaches us to deal honestly with one another (Matt. 7:12), to be thrifty (John 6:12), to be industrious (2 Thess. 3:10), and to be kind and courteous (1 Cor. 13:5). If we apply these principles, along with many others from the Bible, to the way we conduct business we will see rewards in the long term.
2. Godliness will benefit us physically. The Bible teaches us to be kind, temperate, patient, compassionate, anxiety free, and loving to all people. Science and medicine prove that these traits can make a person healthier. One of the greatest health culprits is stress. Stress is brought about by worry, strained relationships, lack of patience, and misplaced priorities. A lack of godly living can lead to the mind and spirit being overtaken by lustful desires, passions of hate, or gloom and despair that can lead to depression or even more severe mental disorders. A godly life will lead to a happy and healthy life.
3. Godliness will benefit us socially. The New Testament teaches that we should strive to get along with all people, both within the church and without (Rom. 12:18). Consider what traits will win the respect and admiration of all men; friendliness, cheerfulness, honesty, self-control, and good will. One only has to flip through the pages of the Bible to see these are the traits of a godly Christian. We should simply follow the example of Jesus. Jesus found favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). Those who knew Jesus may not have accepted his teaching, but they could not question his godly behavior.
4. Godliness will benefit us spiritually. This is obviously the most important and rewarding reason to live a godly life. By living a godly life we obtain the supreme good of striving to be like Christ. We maintain our fellowship with Christ because we are walking in the Light (1 John 1:7). Everyone around us will benefit spiritually as well because of the example and influence a godly life exerts. Godly living leads to spiritual maturity because we are putting into practice those things we have learned from studying God’s Word. Paul told Timothy, “godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). -Ed
