SOME THOUGHTS ON GODLINESS

One of my favorite people in the bible is Simon Peter. I enjoy reading the passages that tell the story of his transformation—and the texts he wrote to inspire his readers to be transformed.

He was named Simon at birth and was raised in a small fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. His early life was spent mending and casting fishing nets. He answered the call to follow Jesus and become a “fisher of men.” He was the first to declare that Jesus was the Christ—the Messiah. As a result, Jesus gave him a new nickname—Peter (which means rock). It was a significant moment, but it was not the end.

While he was a natural leader, Simon Peter regularly put his foot in his mouth—totally missing what Jesus was teaching. He made promises he failed to keep—especially when he denied Jesus during a time of trial. It was a disappointing moment. He was often impatient, impulsive and imperfect.

But Jesus was gracious with him. After the resurrection, Simon Peter went back to his former way of life fishing on the Sea of Galilee. After fishing all night, he encountered the risen Jesus on the shore. After breakfast, Jesus restored him and unleashed him to the future God had called him to—not only as a leader—but also living a godly life.

Peter teaches us that Jesus accepts us as we are but loves us too much to leave us that way. The Lord is always calling us to be more and more like him. Peter understood this when he later wrote the early church:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Peter was less concerned about his readers’ health, wealth and happiness than about their godliness.

There’s a road in England called Godliman Street. No one knows for sure, but a man with a reputation for godliness seems to have lived there. Before the street had a name, they would say, that is where the godly man lives. If you were to have a street named after you, what would it be called? Busy-man street? Fitness-man street? Wealthy-man street?

If God has given us everything we need for a godly life, let us be known for godliness, my friends!

Bishop Jeff Greenway