Last week, several semi-serious things happened which have me examining the difference between goodness and Godliness.

Goodness comes from within the self and Godliness comes from God, Himself, within me, in the person of the Holy Spirit.

I can clearly see that what I have been doing for years is practicing and thereby teaching goodness.

And as SB and I sat all three boys down for a discussion the other night, I could hear the call to goodness coming from him as well.

Goodness is not so concerned about what is on the inside as what is viewed by others on the outside.

We know that God does not look on the outside, but at what's on the inside. In several instances, Jesus took a legitimate command from the Father, "Don't commit adultery," and stressed the heart component, "If you look at woman and sin in your heart, you have already committed adultery."

My initial reaction is to drag out a Bible study and drill the boys on Godliness. But the Spirit is fairly screaming in my heart, "Don't do it your way! Just practice Godliness." So, I will pray for SB to practice Godliness and I will pray for myself and I will pray for the boys.

I have messed up, but God is good. His Name is on the line and He will see His Word, in us, to completion.