Why is it important for Christians to strive for godliness?

For Christians, striving for godliness is an essential response to the grace that has been given to us through Christ. This striving is not to earn salvation, which is secured by grace alone, but to express gratitude and to live in accordance with our identity as citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:12-14 illustrates this principle by showing that while believers are saved and secure in Christ, they are also called to pursue holiness. This pursuit is motivated by love for Christ and the desire to glorify God through our lives. It shows the transformative power of grace in our lives, enabling us to bear fruit and reflects the character of Christ as we live out our faith.