I grew up in the 60s in a small town in the Midwest. As I recall, we had no organized sports for girls and only Little League for boys. We did have a pick up baseball game on the empty lot down the street until someone built their dream home there. We had no soccer, football, hockey, dance, gymnastics, etc. There certainly were no gyms to join in order to exercise and workout. Instead, we mowed the lawn, planted a garden, weeded, rode our bikes, and helped with chores. My favorite pastime was climbing trees, and I was good at it.
This is probably why I have never been disciplined in an exercise regime. What we did in everyday life was enough exercise. I know that exercise is good for me; however, I never learned the habit.
“Rather (referring back to physical exercise) 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. . . . For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. . . . set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:7b,8,10,12b.
Bodily training is of some value. As of February 2023 there were 90,656 gyms and health clubs in the United States. (The number is down because of COVID.) In the same year, $6.5 billion was spent on exercise equipment. People understand the value of physical exercise, but how does that compare to training in our spiritual lives?
Godliness is of value in every way. Paul specifically tells Timothy to set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. What does that look like for us in 2025? How many see the greater value of training in godliness? What is godliness? Can it be fully defined? Are we toiling and striving as Paul says?
First Timothy 3:16 says, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
So how do we train in godliness? By keeping our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12), learning all we can about Him, following His example and thinking like Him (Philippians 2), and waiting expectantly for His return (Philippians 3:20) when His glory will be revealed.
“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe,” 1 Timothy 4:10.
Advent is a time to remember the promise given to Abraham. To remember that He is the Promised One. We must train for godliness because we look forward to a true hope beyond the grave that rests in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Shall we make this our goal in the coming year?
Taking it Further:
How have you seen growth in your training for godliness? Would you share in the comments?
