Let me start posing a non-rhetorical question: Is it possible to actively pursue godliness by being active in worldliness? In other words, is it possible to desire to run to God in such a way, that you end up actually running away from God? The short answer is: “YES, ABSOLUTELY”. I’ll give you an example and then explain how this spiritual phenomenon happens.

Example: Remember Paul? In the letter to the Galatians Paul reminds his brethren of the life he had previously lived. He writes: “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers”. Paul wrote this to teach them that he shared the same activism they shared. They both (him and the Galatians) were well intentioned in the pursuit of godliness despite of the fact that they were creating a greater chasm between them and God. Why? For the simple fact that their pursuit relied upon active worldliness. In Paul’s words, “works of the flesh” (Gal 3:1-5).

Explanation: Many Christians think that godliness is achieved by remaining faithful to one’s religious tradition, by disciplining yourself to perfection, by modifying your behavior, by learning more through reading more or by doing more good works. None of these things are bad in itself but, when you rely on them for your spiritual progress you fail big time. Reason: instead of Jesus and his Gospel you have found yourself another functional savior. To this savior you are running and curiously, in the opposite direction of Jesus. You can tell you are running away from Jesus when the symptoms are: A) harsh criticism of others that do not share your tradition B) severe disappointment with self C) severe disappointment with God D) severe disappointment with the church community. If you’re feeling these symptoms I must say that you have taken the wrong drug to address your condition. You have taken “moralism” or “religiosity” which in essence are “fleshy” drugs instead of the Gospel.

The big difference between the Gospel and moralism/ religion is this: The Gospel works you towards godliness not by getting you to do more or try harder but by getting you to believe more in its message and experience more of its reality.