“That which lives in the darkness will be exposed to light.”
A life of piety means living all of one’s life in relationship with God. We should have nothing to hide from Him, but have a genuine openness. Our relationship with God influences all other relationships, much like food coloring in water colors everything.
What we receive from our relationship with God is proportional to what we put into it. We must willingly receive the relationship, and then live like it! This is the hard part, because there will be highs and lows to go through.
Characteristics of a Relationship with God:
1- Attention- God deserves out undivided attention
2- Time- even Jesus went off alone to spend time with God.
3- Honesty- that we are truthful and honest in our communication with Him
4- Deep Commitment- we must be willing to give deeply of ourselves by making our relationship with God a priority
5- Sharing- we need to spend time in friendship.
In John 15:5, Jesus says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Our relationship with God is enhanced by Spiritual practices:
1- Prayer- the communication language of the soul
2- Reading the Bible- here’s where we find the heart, mind, and soul of God
3- Meditation- fovusing our attention on God. Center our heart and mind and listen for God’s voice.
4- Worship- this is our expression of love and praise to God. It is here that we confess our sin, hear the Truth, and respond with commitment.
5- Holy Communion- reminds us of the love of God- where we receive the gift of Christ.
6- Spiritual direction- spiritual friendship
Qualities of a life of piety:
1- Awareness- we are aware of ourselves, of others, of creation, and of God
2- Desire for God-
Psalm 42:1-2 – As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
3- Action- test of the relationship- actions should reflect a life of piety
4- Direction- comes from living in relationship with God
5- Naturalness- a Life of piety keeps in touch with the real world- where you and others are
6- Courage- a life of Piety exhibits security, free from fear, as we live for His love despite the cost.
7- Joy- a life of piety can provide inner joy that transcends outward circumstances. We experience joy in our relationship with God. It is also easier to serve God our of joy than from a sense of duty.
When we accept God, our world is colored and filtered through our relationship with Him. The more we commit our time- in prayer, Bible study, worship, and communion with Him- the more joy, desire, and courage we receive. We go to a hospital because we’re physically sick; we go to church because we’re spiritually sick.