True piety is simple, free, without ostentation. It has nothing that condones sin and is free from any “holier-than-thou” attitude. It is joyous, easy to live with, and is ever ready to lend a hand.
The real saint studies to keep from adding to the burden of others, and by word and deed endeavors to allay fear, suspicion and mistrust.
Rumor has little place in the life of true piety. It believes a damaging report only upon undisputable evidence and then does not disclose the story only as far as is necessary to protect truth and justice.
The life of true piety is marked by a consuming desire to make Christ known. Obstacles may arise but the truly pious soul will not be deterred. If there is no way to remove the difficulty then a way is sought to cause the obstacle to work for God.
“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8). This was the standard of piety desired in the Old Testament.
The New Testament says: “And to love him [God] with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices’ (Mark 12:33).
Here is the whole gospel message set forth in easily understood language. It demands full abandonment to Christ. It leaves no place for selfish gain, and closes the door on all personal place and praise seeking.
To the truly pious soul the essentials of salvation are all things that in any way help to make Christ known—in His compassion, in His tenderness, in His purity and simplicity. It is unthinkable that a follower of the Christ would be careless in his language, immodest in his dress and unkind in his attitudes.
True piety is Christ-likeness in the details of life.
--Oliver G. Wilson
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