In Training

Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-10

Train yourself for godliness. (v. 7)

Kids like to imitate superstar athletes, the way they dress, how they talk, the moves they make on the court or the field. That’s why the superstars get paid so much for endorsing shoes.

But that’s really missing the point. What kids should imitate, if they want to compete well at their level, is the discipline of elite athletes. We stand in awe of their grace and power, but what we don’t see is the years of hard work—endlessly repeated drills, countless shots, unrelenting sessions of tough conditioning. We don’t see the discipline, the drive, the determination to be the very best.

That’s the training, and that’s exactly the approach Paul tells us to take to our spiritual lives. “Train yourself for godliness,” the apostle urges us (v. 7). The spiritual disciplines are neither complicated nor glamorous: fasting and prayer, Bible study, and worship; plus, giving, service, and obedience. Yet these are the exercises we must continually practice, day in and day out, until we achieve the goal of spiritual fitness—of a godly life.

And here’s why, says the apostle. All our physical training can only postpone the inevitable: the decline of our strength and death of our bodies. But godliness is good for us not just in this life, but in the next as well. Spiritual training has benefits that are literally out of this world. Like diet and exercise, the spiritual disciplines ought to be our daily practice. Lent is a good time to begin if you haven’t already.

As you pray, ask God to help you train for godliness.

About the Author

Rev. David Bast

David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word. 

Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, includingWhy Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.

Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.

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