It has been sometime since I offered an entry to my blog, for many reasons. Life has been very busy with moving, a daughter’s wedding, and other life considerations. The greatest reason however is due to what our Lord has been speaking into my life concerning faith and authentic Christian piety.
Once in my early experience I would hear the word piety used to negatively describe one person or the other. It gave me the impression that piety was a term of derision for those who were overly spiritual. I however have come to understand piety as a virtuous quality that has been lost in much of western Christianity. It is true that a false piety feigned or projected in a rather nauseous manner seems to be an expression of self-righteousness or spiritual superiority, but this false projection or image does not negate true piety.
True piety is the essential quality of Christian growth, and in my mind it results from an authentic poverty of spirit, a mourning of one’s sinfulness, an attitude of meekness, a spirit of mercy and a hunger for righteousness, all of which give rise to a pure heart. In brief, it is what sanctification is all about—to be conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of the Father.
True piety is the result of an abiding relationship with our Lord that calls us to an inward cleansing and renewal. Such a renewal draws us deep into God’s love and nature, and thus creates a supreme love for Him and generates loving acceptance and ministry to others. In addition to saturating life in love, true piety results in a peace and joy, which only our Heavenly Father can bestow through the Holy Spirit. It is a life of fruitfulness for the Kingdom of God.
John 17:19|ESV
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Once again, let us abide.
