Piety: a reverence for God or devout fulfillment of religious obligations; the quality of being pious Synonyms : respect, veneration, awe, godliness, devotion, sanctity, holiness.
In contrast the antonym is irreverence; atheism, godlessness
True piety instills in us a desire to please God to live out the indwelling Fruit of the Spirit in all we do, say, think. Hebrews 5:7 says that Jesus’ prayers were heard because of his piety/devotion. Perhaps the author of Hebrews was thinking of Is 11:2-3 “the Lord’s spirit will rest on him...a spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom, a spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, a spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the Lord,” This is the Holy Spirit that came and anointed Jesus at his baptism. Verse 3 continues: He will take delight in obeying the Lord which takes us back to what true piety is; a desire to please God. In 2 Chron 7 we read God’s response to Solomon after the dedication of the Temple which are the characteristics that in pious people: a humbled self, seeking to please God, repudiate (that is reject with disapproval or condemnation) sinful practices. When God sees those characteristics, He hears, He responds, He forgives, He heals. 2 Chron 7:14.
Prayer: Father, El Elyon, God Most High, as you look down from heaven this day upon this your servant, may you see a heart of devotion as you saw in your Son, your only begotten Son, the one who is now crowned with glory and honor because he through his death destroyed the one who holds the power of death (that is the devil). May we be a people of humility, devotion, seeking your face so that our worship brings praise to You,e the Only Wise God, the author and finisher of our faith.
Application: Philip Yancey writes: “Whatever you do, don’t ignore God. Invite God into every aspect of your life” …Beware of those daily distractions that cause the focus of God to fade. Claim James 4:8 as your guide this day: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.”
Yancey, Philip “Reaching for the Invisible God”, Zondervan; 2000; pg 189.
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