So much of life is learned by example. I never read a book about how to ride a bicycle. I just watched my siblings and tried it myself. Of course, my mom was close by to tend to any scrapes and bruises. But I learned by example. I learned to use an axe the same way, watching my father. I did read a few books on how to be a good husband and father, but learned most about it again by watching my dad. Examples are important.

If we are going to develop godliness, we can learn by studying the meaning of the word. But we still need to see it in action. One person described in Scripture as godly was Ananias of Damascus. He was the man who baptized Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. But at the time, he persecuted and imprisoned Christians. But God appeared to Ananias and told him to carry a message to Saul. Listen to Paul describe Ananias in Acts 22:12, “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.” (NIV 1984) What do we see Ananias doing? He observed the law, meaning he studied scripture and lived the way it teaches. Second, he earned the respect of others by living a moral life. Third, he obeyed God. Ananias displays the essence of godliness.

How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/

Visit Elmer Fuller's author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/

Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.