“1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness, 8 for
the training of the body has a limited benefit,
but godliness is beneficial in every way,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.

9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 In fact, we labor and strive for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, especially of those who believe.”
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How do we train ourselves in godliness? By spending time in the Word, in prayer, in the fellowship of believers, in service and in living a life of generosity. In all these things we seek to honor Christ, following Him daily. To avoid these things is a rejection of those qualities and the life that God intends for you in Christ.

So, then, being tied in through the mystery of faith, we walk as God intends, being trained daily in His love, mercy and grace, not out of guilt or a sense of obligation, but in the knowledge that we have been given a great responsibility and privilege to do so. God does not want guilt to be our primary motivation for not living as the world does, but knowing what is good because we spend time with Him in His Word, in prayer and examining the life of Christ, we find what is profitable for life and what honors Him.

To be the person whose life is the example for another? To serve and love and care in a way for another human being, teaching them what Jesus has taught us, living in the obedience that comes from love and thanksgiving.

In our study, we learn for application. In our service, we see the effects of sin. In our giving, we see the good that generosity does. When we live as Christ, taking His life to heart and living it out, we will find a fulfillment of spirit, and a joy based in Him. It’s not done for our own happiness, but in worship of God. It’s not done to improve our image to outsiders, but ion worship of God. It’s not done to draw a single eye to our own efforts, but in worship of the One who has enabled us to live and serve in His grace and mercy. We are agents of His love, every attitude, action and motivation done in worship of Him. That is what is good. Love lived out in Him, through Him, glorifying Him.

GoLove in His Name. Point hearts toward Him. DO not seek your own happiness, but find your joy in His will, in His plan & in Hs purpose for your life. Live love & abide in it.