1 Tim4:8 For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ESV
DEDICATION TO GODLY LIVING
Every child of God is God's ambassador on earth. We represent God. That is why there's so much noise in the media when a Christian or pastor misbehave. News about the misdeeds of someone from another faith may not trend on social media but you can be sure that if a christian or prominent face in the church is involved, the world will hear.
Further, every believer is an ambassador of his/ her church. People out there tend to judge our character and conclude that everyone in our church is the same. Sometimes, some persons have made statements like, "If the church of Mr 'X' or Mrs 'X' is the only church on earth, I won't attend any church". People make statements like this because of the ungodly attitude of some believers.
Why people out there link ungodly behaviour of believers with their church remains unclear to me. Probably they think ungodliness is learnt and taught in the church. The crux of the matter is that in one way or the other, we all represent our churches and pastors. Every pastor expects good representation( expressed through godly living) from his members out there. Godliness can attract people to church. A genuine pastor would be happy hearing that his members are representing Christ and the church outside the four walls of the church. In Matthew 5:26, Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven".
What will bring glory to God in your life is your good deeds not your big house or exotic car. No pastor will be happy hearing that his member is a street fighter, sexually immoral or is guilty of embezzlement and financial scandal. You're meant to be a proof of your Pastor's ministry, please represent him well: "Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle", 1 For 9:2, NLT. Take those teachings of his serious and pray for grace to internalize them. Don't just hear him preach holiness, practice it.
PRAYER Father, I receive the grace to live godly in Jesus name. Amen