By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

In his letter to Titus, Paul outlined for his protégé the importance of godliness in the Christian life. But, for many in the church today, godliness appears more like an optional advanced study course than the core curriculum of following after Jesus. Scripture tells us nothing can be further from the Truth.

Every day we are fed messages from this world. Most of us would rather not admit how much we are influenced by secular media and pop culture. We can often quote more television catch phrases than Scripture verses, and our children make role models out of celebrities rather than godly leaders. Paul warns us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

When we conform to this world, we begin accepting the belief that whatever the majority is doing or saying or thinking must be right. And as secularism creeps into our thinking, we become more self-focused and self-centered. We become overly concerned with personal happiness. Our prayers no longer seek God’s will, but our own desires. But you and I were saved from God’s wrath for a purpose: to become more like our Savior.

Jesus told His disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2). Our lives in Christ are intended to bear godly fruit.

The work of pursuing godliness is rigorous, and we can’t do it alone. Trust in the Lord, who “works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). Study His Word. Pray continually. God wants you to succeed in your pursuit of godliness, and He will not let you down.

Prayer: God, help me to not conform to this world. Give me strength to pursue godliness and to follow Your purpose for my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[G]odliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Learn more in’s sermon Pursuing Godliness in a Godless World, Part 1: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

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