The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that … we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11.12.
When Baron Pierre de Courbertain re-established the Olympic Games in 1894, he coined the motto: “Faster, higher, more strongly”. The French flag has the motto: “Liberty, equality, fraternity”. Is there such a motto for Christian? One might very aptly take the three words, “soberly, righteously, godly” and make them the motto for Christian living.
Soberly. This applies first of all to us personally. Sobriety has to do with self-control. God does not want us to be influenced by anything or everything around us. We should not give our old nature any opportunity to become active. We need to keep control over ourselves, so as not to do our own will or live according to our own wishes.
Righteously. This is a matter of practical righteousness (i.e. fairness and justice) towards our fellowmen. In a world full of injustice we can show what it means to live in agreement with God. This involves our conduct, which must be righteous in God’s sight, in the family, at work or school and wherever we come into contact with other people.
Godly. This concerns our relationship with God. Let us lead a life of devotion to our Lord by loving Him, obeying Him, honouring Him and always being at His disposal for service. Godliness is genuine piety, a life by which God is honoured and glorified.
Image: By Anonymous – http://www.iconsv.ru/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=3523&Itemid=3, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20576132