“. . . Exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

What is godliness? (I checked my Spanish Bible — it uses piety. What’s that?)

Am I godly?

How do I exercise myself unto godliness?

What (if any) evidences of godliness do people (especially my family) see in my life each day?

Those are some questions buzzing around in my heart just now.

Here are two dictionary definitions:

godly — Having great reverence for God; pious

piety — The state or quality of being pious, especially religious devotion and reverence to God

We at Hopewell Mennonite church (Hubbard, Oregon) have been richly blessed with the same bishop since 1983.

He was ordained from among us, so he is one of us. By God’s grace, he has led us with a shepherd’s heart, remembering well that the flock is not his own, but the Good Shepherd’s.

His wife has served graciously and faithfully at his side.

James & Noreen Roth

I need to be more generous in my thankfulness and commendation to them. However, I suppose it would seem inappropriate to use this forum since they are also my parents.

“This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).

Though he did not desire the office of bishop, the work is a good work, and he has been a faithful steward of it.

Thank you, Dad (and Mom), and God bless you!