The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand…The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37:23-24, 31

The term godly is often used to describe the life and character of one who lives in close fellowship with the Lord. Yet I fear that many today are content with a form of Christianity, or with denominational affiliation, without any real ambition to be godly. That troubles me deeply.

Godliness is not an optional extra on the Christian menu. It is not the preserve of ministers, elders, evangelists, or missionaries. Some of the godliest people I have ever known never preached a sermon, yet their lives would put many a preacher to shame.

Godliness is not a choice; it is the purpose and plan of God for every Christian.

When we were saved, the Holy Spirit made us godly by planting the divine nature within our hearts (2 Peter 1:3). If Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, giving us the hope of glory (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 1:27), then we have within us the very life of God.

Yet godliness, like all aspects of sanctification, is progressive. So long as the new godly nature battles with the old sinful nature, our godliness will never be perfect as God is perfect. Therefore, sin does not make us ungodly in the sense of losing our standing before God—it simply reveals that, as Paul confessed, “to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18–25; Galatians 5:17).

The godly man or woman is in a battle, and we are deeply conscious of that struggle. Sin wounds and destroys; Christlikeness is a character we strive for incessantly. Oh, that Christ would be fully formed in us! (Galatians 4:19)

Ultimately, this is what godliness is—the setting of our steps in the path of Christ Himself (1 Peter 2:21).

The Christian, therefore, is one who walks with God.

Psalm 37 contrasts the life and destiny of the wicked with the better portion of the godly.

The wicked appear successful, but their achievements soon fade away (vv. 10, 35–36). The godly person, however, inherits the earth.

The wicked plot against God’s people with hatred and violence, but judgment is coming (vv. 12–15).

The godly are marked by meekness and peace (vv. 11, 37).

The wicked may be rich but are spiritually poor, whereas the godly may be poor yet are infinitely rich (v. 16).

The Psalm presents the godly life as a walk—a steady, ordered progress through life under the guidance of the Lord.

So then, what does it mean to walk with God?

THE PRECEPT IN THE GODLY MAN

David describes this man as one who has “the law of his God in his heart.”

To be godly is to have a real and living interest in the Word of God. This goes beyond academic study or a reading plan. It is the deliberate practice of reading and meditating on Scripture with a desire to live it out daily.

This is the prime and foundational characteristic of the “The Blessed Man” in Psalm. He mediates upon God’s Word day and night. Meditation—calm, reflective, prayerful consideration of Scripture—is what transforms character.

The Word of God is linked always to Christ-likeness and holiness. Meditation is always transformative. An old motto inscribed on Bibles is worthy of our attention:

THIS BOOK WILL KEEP ME FROM SIN AND SIN WILL KEEP ME FROM THIS BOOK.

Is this not the spirit of the author of the 119th Psalm:

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

Christ is ever our pattern. As the law was placed within the Ark of the Covenant, so the Word was written upon His heart, giving Him delight in doing the will of the Father (Psalm 40:8). Our calling is that, through that same Word, we might be transformed into the image of God’s dear Son (Romans 8:29). This treasure—the living repository of divine truth—is placed within the earthen vessels of our humanity, where it performs the miracle of grace: transforming a sinful life into one that reflects the beauty of Christ.

There are some who have the Word in their heads and may even speak it with their mouths but they are without the Truth in their hearts.

“The proudest Pharisees would “bind the law of God upon their hands, and wear it as frontlets between their eyes:” but the godly alone fulfilled the true intent of that ordinance, by “laying up God’s words in their heart and in their soul”

Horae Homileticae Commentary Volume 3 (All 21 Volumes Now In 7): A Discourses Digested Into One Continued Series, And Forming A Commentary Upon Every Book Of The Old And New Testament by Charles Simeon

Professor John Lennox once shared a moving story of a young Christian friend who passed away from cancer. Before he died, he asked Lennox to speak at his funeral and said, “Tell them to do what we did—spend time with the Scriptures until they see the face of God.”

That is godliness—the Word written in the heart, shaping life and thought.

THE PURPOSE FOR THE GODLY MAN

When we walk with God, our steps are “ordered by the Lord.”

This gives our lives purpose—a purpose defined by fellowship and service.

FELLOWSHIP

God orders our steps, and He delights in our company. We take pleasure in God’s presence, though we seldom appreciate or enjoy Him as we should. Yet He delights in us as we walk with Him.

What encouragement this is—to spend time alone with God, to quiet the world’s noise, and to be sensitive to His voice. He speaks to us through His Word, and we must speak to Him in prayer. Let us cultivate the presence of God.

SERVICE

Walking with God is not a hermit’s existence. We are called to serve Him in the world. God orders our steps with divine purpose and leads us into His will.

Only through fellowship can His will be perfected in us; only through communion can our hearts and minds be shaped to serve willingly and joyfully.

THE PRESERVATION OF THE GODLY MAN

The godly man is not immune from attack, discouragement, failure, or personal sin.

David acknowledges the possibility—and reality—of falling: “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down.”

The pathway to heaven is not a steady ascent. Sometimes progress seems to halt; at other times, we must pass through valleys and shadows.

We are beset by the hindrances that Satan plants in our path.

Even fellow believers may, without intending to, dishearten us.

God may allow our efforts to fail in order to keep us humble.

And yes, we sin. We backslide. We work without prayer and labour without fellowship.

Yet through all these frustrations and failings, God will not allow our steps to slide.

He grasps our hand and lifts us again. He never leaves nor forsakes His own.

God preserves us through His Word dwelling richly within us in all wisdom. Through that indwelling Word, we are taught to walk carefully—not only avoiding sin itself, but also the temptations that might give rise to scandal. When we do sin the Word pricks our conscience, drawing us back through confession and repentance. We pray earnestly to know the divine will, listening for that gentle voice which says, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” And we rest our souls upon the sure promises of God: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Let us therefore press on and go forward. Keep our eyes upon Christ.

Cultivate godliness. Seek the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

And live for God—before it is too late.