Training for What Matters Most

But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7 CSB

Do you have a driver’s license? Are you an athlete? Do you have a college degree? Have you learned a new skill recently? If you answered yes to any of these, you know you didn’t just wake up one day having accomplished them. It took discipline to study, practice, and work toward those goals.

Sometimes, I think we assume our spiritual development will happen automatically. While growth can occur unexpectedly, most spiritual maturity comes from a desire to know the Lord and His Word more deeply. We do not simply grow from spiritual childhood into godliness without effort on our part—not for salvation, but certainly for growth as a disciple of Jesus.

Paul invested deeply in Timothy’s life, discipling him to become a godly pastor. He instructed him to “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come..” Paul then adds, “…persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:7–8,16).

Not only does growing in godliness benefit us here on earth, but it also prepares us for eternity. In the meantime, we influence those around us by the way we live, love, speak, and treat others. Every day brings opportunities to shine the light of Christ and share His Gospel.

Consider these questions:

—Do you spend time alone with the Lord?

—Do you read and study Scripture?

—Do you memorize scripture?

—Do you apply the truths you learn?

—Do you share these truths with others?

If we train for earthly accomplishments, how much more should we train for eternity?

Lord, I want to know You and Your Word so that I can live it out daily.

Chris Adams