“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2nd Tim. 3:5)
There are television programs that run twenty-four hours a day whose sole purpose it is to entice people to purchase the items they offer, they are, for all intents and purposes, non-stop commercials, and like all good advertisers do, they hire people to sell their wares that can feign excitement. I have witnessed these salesmen and women show great enthusiasm over a potato peeler, over plastic containers, can openers and every other conceivable materialistic item.
They are well trained and no matter the product, they are excited about it, or better yet, they can pretend to be.
Our opening verse goes side by side with Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” And in our day the proof of Matthew 24:12 is seen, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Cold hearts because they have only professed Him with their lips, but they attempt, they pretend exceptionally well, to have a form of godliness.
This is what every religious organization has done throughout the ages that professes some work must be accomplished by us before we will be accepted by the Almighty, that preaches that the work of Christ was not sufficient in itself for the salvation of a man’s soul. But those three verses also reveal the truth of two others. “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) And “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14)
That form of godliness sits in the pews all across this planet every Sunday morning, it is exceptionally well versed in acting, in pretending, even unto the point of self-deception. Bibles are not opened throughout the rest of the week with great desire and intent to seek the face of the Living God, knees are not bent in humility towards the One they profess to serve, the lost are not searched for, the Lord Jesus Christ is given little or no thought whatsoever unless some adverse conditions arises in their life until next Sunday morning when the play resumes, when the actor once again resumes his role.
It is enough for them to be the “good person,” to play the part occasionally, to have a form of godliness.
I ask you this question today, and I believe in the context of this poorly written, short letter to you it holds great merit, when was the last time you initiated a conversation with a person, known to you or a stranger, about the Lord Jesus Christ? Not a singular verse spoken in a moment when it seemed appropriate, not a “Praise God” or a “That’s a blessing” statement, but opening words that are meant to draw attention to the Savior.
And even if the one you are speaking to attempts to change the subject, even if they mock you or revile you, you continued to speak to them until they finally walked away?
When was the last time you were hated for the sake of the Savior?
The form of godliness is quite easy, nearly anyone can pretend to be something they are not, the darkness that is covering this planet today has shown the truth of this, and those who are doing so are expected to be accepted no matter what face they show in public. But when the day comes when your true face is revealed, will it shine brightly with the light of Christ, or will it be seen as nothing more than a mask you were wearing while you performed your part in the play?
Contemplate this well.