Psalm 112:4, 5 
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, 
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, 
who conduct their affairs with justice. (NIV)

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Being godly means living a life that reflects the character of God—characterized by piety, holiness, and reverence—rather than merely following external religious rituals. It involves a shift toward inward spirituality, acting with kindness and love, and striving for obedience to divine principles in thoughts, desires, and actions. (Merriam-Webster.com)

This definition builds on what the anonymous psalmist wrote thousands of years ago. People who belong to God and live upright lives characterized by grace, compassion, righteousness, justice, and generosity live in God’s light and illuminate their world. 

Who does this bring to mind? Who do you know who illuminates the darkness with their lives? 

Who improves everything he or she touches? 

Who brings peace and calm when he or she walks into the room? 

Who are the people you’re always happy to see because they make everything better? 

Godly people are not the caricatures of popular entertainment. Godly people are those who reflect God’s character. 

Take a good look at these characteristics in verses 4 and 5 above. Which of them do you honestly see in your own life? Which of these requires some growth and adjustment on your part? Consider turning these characteristics into matters of prayer. Ask God to build these qualities into your life.

Pray for one a day if you like. Make praying for these characteristics like taking a vitamin. Watch what God does to transform your character. Learn to live at a higher level. Don’t be afraid of the gathering darkness because the light of the world lives in you. Be the person who illuminates the world with God’s light. 

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I will invite our Father in heaven to build his character into my life. 

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Our Father, empower me to live like the people described in this Psalm. Make me a truly upright man, someone others can depend on to be gracious, compassionate, and righteous. Empower me to live an increasingly generous life. Empower me to conduct all of my affairs with justice. As these characteristics become increasingly clear in my life, may they point to you. May they show how truly transformational your grace at work in people like us is. Amen.