Readability: 1
Length: 226 pgs
Author: Jerry Bridges
If an author impacts me both with the ugliness of sin and the beauty of the atonement I am deeply thankful for them. I always exit a Jerry Bridges book extremely thankful. This sequel to The Pursuit of Holiness is no exception.
In a way The Practice of Godliness is the positive of his excellent book Respectable Sins. After laying the foundation that godliness is rooted in devotion towards God he goes on to cover the various godly traits such as joy, holiness, contentment, humility, thankfulness, and the fruit of the Spirit.
The practice of godliness is an exercise or discipline that focuses on God. From this Godward attitude arises the character and conduct that we usually think of as godliness. So often we try to develop Christian character and conduct without taking the time to walk with Him and develop a relationship with Him. This is impossible to do.
Where can we find the time for quality Bible study? I once heard that question asked of a chief of surgery in a large hospital. Twenty-five years later, his answer continues to challenge me. He looked his questioner squarely in the eye and said, “You always find time for what is important to you.” How important is the practice of godliness to you? Is it important enough to take priority over television, books, magazines, recreation, and a score of activities that we all somehow find time to engage in?
Some virtues of Christian character, such as holiness, love, and faithfulness, are godly traits because they reflect the character of God. They are godlike qualities. Other virtues are godly traits because they acknowledge and exalt the character of God. They are God-centered qualities that enhance our devotion to God. Such are the virtues of humility, contentment, and thankfulness. In humility we acknowledge God’s majesty, in contentment His grace, in thankfulness His goodness.
[S]o often when we sin we are more vexed at the lowering of our self –esteem than we are grieved at God’s dishonor.
No Other Boast 