UNGODLY
God created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27). God expected man to live up to that image in his day-to-day life. The expectations of God were such that no one can claim ignorance as an excuse for failing to live up to what God desires for us (Romans 3:19). What a beautiful word then is the word, "godly". It defines our journey on this earth as well as explaining what it is that we are all about. Those who are called through the gospel to be disciples of the Lord, begin from the position of denying one's self (Matthew 16:24). The desire is not to become "God-like" rather it is a commitment to live up to the image which God gave us.
Peter declares that God has given us all things, which pertain to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). God does this through the knowledge of His Son. In this same chapter Peter calls upon all those who would follow Christ, to build on their initial faith (verse 5). Part of that building is the theme of godliness (verse 6). It is the disciple who looks intently into the perfect law of liberty and reminds himself, daily of what he is suppose to be (James 1:25). The knowledge of Jesus the Christ in the heart of the believer reminds the believer to live up to the image which God created us to be, daily.
This desire to live up to that image of being godly is followed by brotherly kindness (II Peter 1:7). Too many Christians are losing sight of the truth that we are to exhibit brotherly kindness toward each other. Brotherly kindness is part of one choosing to live up to the image and likeness of God. This kindness causes us to be tenderhearted which makes us more ready to forgive each other (Ephesians 4:32). Some will step beyond being in the likeness of God to taking the position of God. They do so by demanding that when individuals seek forgiveness that they have the authority to set the terms of that forgiveness. They have moved into the position of God.
When Christians fall from grace, they need to be restored back to faithfulness (Galatians 5:4; 6:1). This is to be carried out by those who are spiritual. The motivation for this action is that the spiritual one considers himself. Why is that the case? God says it is because we who are spiritual can likewise be tempted (6:1). We are to exercise great caution that we looking at ourselves realize the danger that we could fall (I Corinthians 10:12). It could happen to us. If we did fall how would we want brethren to treat us? This is the essence of the golden rule (Matthew 7:12).
When some Christians fall they are met by some in the brotherhood with a shovel. One purpose is to dig up all the dirt they can on the fallen brother. The other purpose is to use the shovel to bury the reputation and if possible the character of the one who has fallen. Those who engage in such activity do not embrace the idea of godliness. The brethren in Corinth had a man living in adultery. What would it take for this man to get things right? He could not have continued living in the marriage he was in and have hope of fellowship with the Lord's people. I Corinthians 5 then is the church dealing with this man's sin.
When Paul writes the second letter to these brethren, he states that the punishment inflicted by them (I Corinthians 5:4,5) was sufficient. When we come to II Corinthians 2:7, Paul expresses a concern that some of the brethren there in Corinth need to forgive and comfort this one. Even though the man repented and, hence, changed his life, why would it be necessary for Paul to command them to forgive him? Is it not because brethren through the avenue of the pride of life move themselves into the position of God and thereby claim the right to dictate the terms of repentance? The reason behind all of this is that we must learn to be aware of the devices of Satan and not allow him to gain an advantage over us (II Corinthians 2:11).
Let us all be willing to condemn sin in our own lives and in the lives of others. If we will be true to the image and likeness of God, let us deal with the fallen ones in a spirit of kindness and tenderheartedness. Peter reminds us of where the ?..ungodly and the sinner shall appear? (I Peter 4:17). Let us by our attitudes never be guilty of hastening people on their journey to eternity without God. Let us be godly.