Weekly devotional: Training in godliness (5 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; 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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:6–10).

The trend of the yearned-for perfectly shaped and sculpted body continues in our culture as we run, train, jump, pump iron, dance, and eat foods from the latest diet, whether low or high GI, protein, or other. But do we focus enough on the training of our soul? Do we have fit bodies but fat minds, in the memorable title by Os Guinness (Fit Bodies, Fat Minds, Baker, 1994)?

Paul speaks of Timothy being nourished by the food that lasts – that is, the truths of the faith and the good teaching he’s received, whether through his mother and grandmother, other church leaders, or Paul himself. Why, Paul says, should we neglect the state of our souls in favor of the state of our bodies, when our souls will be those which live on into eternity?

Many Christians seek to practice the spiritual disciplines regularly, such as Bible reading and study, being thankful, taking time for silence and solitude, and doing acts of mercy in secret. They find doing so in community to be mutually beneficial. May we continue to spur each other on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Prayer: Father God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to train ourselves in righteousness, that we might reflect your grace and your glory to a hurting world.