How to Recognize Godly People: Marks of Genuine Faith
Summary
Godly people are like genuine diamonds with imperfections. Though sin sometimes dims their light, their lives consistently reveal righteousness, truth, mercy, humility, faith, and devotion to God. Unlike those whose religion appears only during worship, genuine believers demonstrate godliness throughout daily life. Above all, they love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors as themselves. This love gives their lives a distinctive, godly sparkle.
Genuine Diamonds Can Have Flaws
Godly people are like genuine diamonds with imperfections. A real diamond may have flaws that diminish its brilliance, but those flaws do not make it an imitation. Similarly, godly people are not sinless. Their light is genuine and comes from God (Proverbs 4:18), but sin sometimes dims that light. They stumble and make unwise, self-centered choices, yet they get up and continue pursuing God and righteousness (Proverbs 24:16).
Imitation Diamonds May Look Genuine
Other people are more like imitation diamonds. They may resemble genuine believers outwardly and appear to shine during an hour of worship each week, but their lives outside the sanctuary reveal little desire to know, obey, and please God. The important distinction, therefore, is not between flawless and flawed people. All people have flaws. The distinction is between genuine godliness, though imperfectly lived, and an outward appearance of religion that does not reflect a God-centered life.
Diamond substitutes include cubic zirconia, moissanite, white sapphire, white topaz, and glass. The most reliable way to distinguish a genuine diamond from an imitation is through a grading report issued by an independent laboratory such as GIA or IGI.1
Recognizing the Pure Light of Godly People
How can we recognize the pure light of godly people? The Old Testament serves as our laboratory, identifying these defining characteristics:
Righteous Conduct Reveals Godliness
· They live blamelessly (Psalm 15:2).
· They do what is right (Psalm 15:2, Isaiah 33:15, Isaiah 56:1, Micah 6:8).
· They speak truthfully and rightly (Psalm 15:2, Isaiah 33:15).
· They do not slander others (Psalm 15:3).
· They do not harm their neighbors (Psalm 15:3).
· They do not damage others’ reputations with lies (Psalm 15:3).
· They reject what is vile (Psalm 15:4).
· They honor those who fear the Lord (Psalm 15:4).
· They keep their promises (Psalm 15:4).
· They lend to the poor without charging interest (Psalm 15:5).
· They refuse bribes and profits from extortion (Psalm 15:5, Isaiah 33:15).
· They neither participate in violence nor approve of moral perversion (Isaiah 33:15).
Godly People Walk Humbly, Trust God, and Love God and People
· They show mercy and walk humbly (Micah 6:8).
· They trust God rather than themselves (Habakkuk 2:4).
· They steadfastly cling to God and His promises (Habakkuk 2:4).
· They love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
· They love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31).
Love Gives Godly People Their Sparkle
The final two characteristics sum up all the others. Love motivates godly people, gives their lives a pure light, and sets them apart from the norm.
These qualities are evident around the clock and outside the sanctuary. Godly people are religious, but many religious people are not godly. Love is what gives godly diamonds their sparkle.
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