The evidence of genuine piety

(John Angell James, "The Christian Professor")

The evidence of genuine piety is to be found in . . .
  real humility,
  reliance on Christ,
  hungering and thirsting after righteousness,
  sincere sorrow for sin, and
  a continual effort to regulate our thoughts, words, and conduct by the Word of God.

Genuine piety will not thrive and increase without effort — but is of so tender and delicate a nature as to require great, constant, and persevering concern, watchfulness, and care.

"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13