Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Let’s Talk About ‘is cleanliness next to godliness’
So many readers have come to my site searching for answers about this question of “is cleanliness is next to godliness”. There is a ‘word and phrase origin’ for this here. After you read it come back and read the rest of this posting.
Must I Be Body-Clean All the Time?
To believe that one must be physically clean of dirt like mothers have promoted over the centuries is a misuse of the saying. To say that God Himself is only near those who use ‘cleanliness’ is misguided.
God says He is love and His kind of love is portrayed in I Corinthians 13: 4-8 . How can one say that only ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ when God says He loves the whole world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God gave for everyone…no one left out. His love is always reaching out to everyone.
Even Jesus knew that it’s what is inside a man that defiles him, not a persons clothing, cleanliness or lack thereof.
Eliminate the Poor Who May Not Be Always Clean?
A position of only ‘cleanliness is next to godliness‘ would eliminate the poor of the world who have no access to cleanliness at all times or even people who do not bathe. God does not exclude people, He includes them by His offers to us…”love the Lord your God with your whole heart your whole soul and your whole strength. Love your neighbor as yourself’.’ This command was quoted by Jesus as the only two commands we are now to follow. Follow these two and you fulfill and follow the whole 10 commandments.
Many attribute this saying to Ben Franklin, but he didn’t write it. As you read in the link, “it actually comes from the writings of Phineas ben Yair, a rabbi whose writings can be found in the Talmud written this way:
“The doctrines of religion are resolved into carefulness; carefulness into vigorousness; vigorousness into abstemiousness into cleanliness; cleanliness into godliness.” As you can see, in the quote, the word ‘cleanliness’ is literally written next to the word ‘godliness.‘ Yes, as simple as that! The word, cleanliness is written next to the word godliness in his writings.
John Wesley borrowed and used the saying in his writings:
His Rule of Conduct was:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
Since my posts on this have been viewed by hundreds of people all over the world. I wonder why they would check out this word phrase? I wonder what roadblocks are set up in their lives that would exclude anyone from God…godliness…by not having cleanliness? I’d love to hear your comments!
Where do you stand on ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’?
Very thought provoking topic Donna. I think, for me at least, there are some negative feelings regarding this particular phrase. My negativity stems mainly by over use from my Mom! I used to feel I had to be perfect to be clean enough for God’s work. I now know that is not the case, but I wonder if others feel the same? Simply not good enough for God’s grace?
Linda Kinsman recently posted..My Well- Being.com Review
Linda,
Excellent response! “This is also thought provoking regarding: not good enough for God’s grace.” It’s still being promoted within Christian groups to this day…work to be good enough for God…be clean as in work toward being holy enough.
Throughout the scriptures we are told Jesus ‘was enough’. God’s grace is toward everyone…those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who do not. God’s grace is an offer..receive it or reject it, our choice.
There is no ‘working’ for this as it’s a free gift to anyone. And for those who receive it, they receive it by faith in the One offering. Even the faith we receive that grace with is given by God.
With all the different countries that have clicked on the word phrase describing ‘cleanliness next to godliness’ I’ve thought that other countries may also have a philosophy about this that has been passed on for generations. Sure would love to see those thoughts left here for all to read!
DonnaPerugini recently posted..Giveaway App Pocket Yoga-Practice Builder from Starbucks Pick of the Week
I don’t know what views others are having. But I feel that, This cleanliness is related to our thought and behavior. Like we clean heart from all bad qualities like selfishness, egoistic nature, Arrogant, jealousy, and many other. We too be like God who loves and care for each of us. Without any partialities.
For the above cleanliness we need to start within our self, surroundings, and behavior and thought process. So I BELIVE that cleaning up heart is making bridge to understand God and his wisdom.
So it’s being said that cleanliness is next to godliness
Dina,
Interesting thoughts you have posted. Our character is of utmost importance to God.