Training With A Cause

1 Timothy 4:7-13, 16 – “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”

You can probably imagine how hard professional athletes have to train over the span of their careers so they can continue to play at the highest level for as long as they can. If you looked at your walk with Christ and the “training” you do on a daily basis to be a good example to others in what you say, how you live, how you love, in your faith, and your purity?

Do you think you are ready to go? Paul tells Timothy how good it is to be physically trained, but godliness is much better, and that he insists everyone learn how to. Some of us are willing to do the necessary training but the first sign of struggle or when times get tough, we tend to let ourselves get in the way of our training.

We tend to train just enough to do what we have to do and nothing more. Paul says in verse 16 that we should stay true to what is right for the sake of our salvation and others who may hear us. Does this change your idea of how hard you need to begin training for godliness? What is it that you need to do more of?

Paul tells Timothy to “focus” on reading scriptures to the church, encourage other believers, and teach them while keeping an eye on himself. What can you “focus” on to so you can begin your training for godliness?

~Nick~