…Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)
“Train yourself to be godly.” I know I’ve read this before but today it stood out. Godliness takes training. It takes daily disipline. It takes work. Paul compares it to physical training. What do we know about physical training?
- Physical training takes discipline. We have to make a commitment to physical exercise and stay consistent with it, even when we don’t feel like it.
- Physical training is best done with others and with a trainer. I have found that it is much harder to stay consistent with physical exercise when I am doing it alone. Exercising with others and with someone who knows what they are doing increases consistency and effectiveness.
- Physical training does not bring immediate results but it does bring lifetime health. It would be foolish for someone to do one work-out and expect instant results. Results come over time as the body progressively grows stronger and healthier.
The same things are true with spiritual training. Godliness does not happen instantly overnight. It takes daily discipline. We read God’s Word, pray, serve, share, meditate, and make good choices not expecting immediate results but knowing that, over time, our spiritual health, strength, and vitality will increase. It also helps to have a few others training with us, encouraging us and guiding us along the way.
Though spiritual training is similar to physical training, it has one main difference. Physical training has value for this life alone. When we exercise we may feel better physically and may add a few years to our life. But that’s about it. The body will still give out in the end. Spiritual training, however, not only has benefit in this life but also in the life to come. When we grow our character and increase our intimacy with God, we enjoy the fullness of life here on earth and prepare ourselves for infinite joy in the presence of God.
Lord, increase my desire for “spiritual workouts”!