Training for What Matters Most

To finish a weeks-long assignment, I had to start my mornings much earlier than usual. Every day around 5 a.m., during my quiet drive to work, I passed a large fitness center—and every day, without fail, the parking lot was almost full. At five in the morning!

While I was grumbling about being awake before sunrise, these folks were already breaking a sweat. I couldn’t help but admire their dedication—and it made me wonder what life would look like if we brought that same early-morning commitment not just to our physical fitness, but also to our spiritual well-being.

Whether we're working out at the gym or just taking a daily walk around the block, we all understand the benefits of exercise for the physical body. The more we move, the stronger we become. Strength grows through consistency, and every small effort adds up to something powerful.

Train Yourself for Godliness

"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 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

In the same way, our spiritual lives require steady attention. Godliness is the daily training of the heart—a way of thinking and living that chooses God’s will above all else.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he urged him to remind the Ephesian church to reject false teachings and embrace godliness—to remain devoted to the truth of God’s Word. Paul acknowledged the value of physical training, but he made it clear that its benefits are temporary. Physical exercise ends with this life, but godliness carries value both now and into eternity.

The present benefit of godliness is the spiritual fruit that the Spirit of God grows within us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

And the future benefit? Eternal fellowship with God in Heaven (John 14:3), made possible through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

May we train our hearts with the same faithfulness and commitment we admire in those early-morning workouts—knowing that the strength produced by godliness endures forever.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for a heart surrendered to You and a commitment to pursue godliness daily—choosing Your will above all else. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thought

What spiritual disciplines do you engage in each day to cultivate godliness?

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