"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Tim. 4:7-8, ESV).
It turns out that there is a lot of things in this life that are not worthy of our time. Paul tells us that there are categories of knowledge that are not worthy of investigation (irreverent, silly myths). He also instructs that bodily training, while of some merit, has limited value. Bodily training does the body good in this life, making it healthier and thus last longer, but these bodies will turn to dust.
Godliness is the place in which we must spend most of our efforts. "Godliness," Paul states, "is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." I'm not suggesting (neither is Paul) that we should neglect physical exercise. There are spiritual reasons we should eat right and exercise (however, this post is focused on the training in godliness). Daily exercise may prolong one's life, but it only postpones judgment.
Godliness may also prolong one's life, and it prevents judgment. We enter into godliness when we place our faith in Christ. From that first moment of faith, we should begin to build our lives in such a way that we are growing in godliness.
Paul's point here is that people (even ministers) pursue the wrong things. They pursue knowledge for the sake of having knowledge, but they fail to discern whether it is true knowledge or not. They pursue physical fitness, because they are dissatisfied with their size. Yet, most of those same people are rarely disturbed by an atrophied spiritual state.
They look at pride in their life and shrug it off. They struggle with lust, and think "nobody knows." They hate their neighbor without cause, but at least they haven't killed him. They haven't "really" prayed in a long time, but they still rest easy. They are so caught up in the business of life that they don't even realize that their love for Jesus is diminishing day by day.
It should be that way for us Paul says. It is as if Paul said, "Nope. Not you, Timothy. You have to be different." He is saying it to us as well. Nope, not you. You can't let your spiritual life languish. Don't let it die. Your called to be different.
Godliness is the path we are to follow. When we imitate God, by trying to emulate his character, we are walking in godliness. If we focus on moral uprightness, humility, grace, and mercy; then we can say we are living a godly lifestyle. This is the kind of life to which we should devote ourselves.
All training that leads to godliness is worth the effort. It is worth the blood, sweat, and tears it will cost. Godliness comes with a promise for this life and the one to come. Will you reach out and take hold of that promise?
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