“For men shall be lovers of their own selves…, having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it.” II Timothy 3:2,5. Although this text refers to unbelievers, it contains an important truth for every Christian -merely looking like a godly person isn’t the same as being one! Just because you go to church and have a well-worn Bible doesn’t mean you’re in touch with God. No, it’s possible to have a form of godliness while actually neglecting and denying the power of the Lord. Outward conformity to certain social and doctrinal standards can be misleading. We may give the impression of being godly; but to the extent that we don’t depend upon the Lord in all things, we deny His power. We need the inner strength and character that comes from being continually yielded to the Holy Spirit.  Without that, we’re left with a mere form of godliness.