I’ve been reading Thomas Watson’s book “The Godly Man’s Picture.” I just love his writings and have used my fair share of quotes from him.  What a blessing that God is still using this man’s words to help me in my Christian walk 500 years later. He goes into great detail regarding the nature of godliness and also gives many practical tips. Since I love lists, I have written out a few I want to remember.

If I want to be godly I must:

1. Use all the means that may help my growth in godliness

Songs can set my mind to thinking about God
Godly friends can be an encouragement
Prayer is how I pour out my thoughts and feelings to God
Christian books bring encouragement, practical helps and greater theological understanding.
Memorization of verses bring Christ to the forefront of my mind.
Meditations causes me to slowly think about the things of God until it moves from my head to my heart.
Worship realigns my heart to back to my proper priorities.

2. Watch the relationship I have with the world

How much time do I spend thinking about, pursuing, reading, engaging, longing for and copying the things of the world? Most of the things that occupy my time and thoughts are not necessarily bad but “where the world fills both head and heart - there is no room for Christ”

Do not love the world or the things in the world.
1 John 2:15

3. Practice thinking “Holy thoughts”

Thoughts give way to actions so the more I think about Jesus, the cross and scripture the more mindful I will be in my speech and actions.  

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil 4:8

4. Be careful with how I spend my time

It is so easy for me to waste away my time and then promise myself that I will do better the next day. “Time flies irrevocably” and therefore I need to make good use of the minutes and hours that I have been given today. Only God knows if I am given tomorrow.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:15,16

5. Spend time with others who are godly

I know I’ve been in good company when I leave wanting to do better. Godly friends will have this kind of impact because “they are salt of the earth and will help season you”. Not only do I want these kinds of sisters around me, I want to be this kind of woman.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
Proverbs 13:20a

There are many more practical ways to exercise godliness, but I think these 5 are a great place to start. It’s a good thing Jesus holds everything in his hands--both my shortcomings and my growth in godliness.