“… Rather, 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 4:7-8
Godly Training
Runners frequently declare that you have to earn fitness each day. One famous runner used to say you can’t store fitness. You have to maintain it day to day.
People in America believe those words in fitness clubs and aerobics classes, and in jogging and racquet sports across the country. Fitness books ascend to the top of the bestseller lists. Everyone yearns for a physically-fit body.
Certainly, Christians should develop their bodies too. Yet, spiritual flabbiness afflicts many believers who don’t have strong spiritual fitness programs. Many neglect daily prayer and Bible study, failing to strategize how to fit this into their busy lives. Others neglect fellowship and worship. Still others fail to serve God in evangelism or social action.
Do you train yourself in godliness? Do you have an ongoing training program?
Lord, help me not to store up fitness, but to systematically train myself in godliness. Amen.
— Gregory Spalding
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