1 Timothy 4:7-10
‘…train yourself to be godly’. (Verse 7, NIV)
I still think Jillian Micheals is insane. Like really. I recently tried her ‘Six Pack Abs in Six Weeks’ program. Didn’t make it past day 3! And I limped for days! Whew!
Training is never pleasant, really. Unless you’re cheating I think. Training speaks of discipline and rigour and striving. Training is showing up day after day, especially when you don’t feel like it. Ask Serena Williams. Makes sense to me why star athletes are paid so much. They work so hard to be in top form, they deserve the perks.
Today’s scripture gives a good analogy. We’re asked to train ourselves to be godly. First, that’d mean that godliness doesn’t come naturally to us, no one was born godly. Godliness implies having great reverence for God.
Training is hard, and sometimes unpleasant. It isn’t always cool or popular. But we’re asked to train our selves, be responsible for imbibing the discipline of godliness, day in day out. 24/7. All the time. That kinda thing. Get the picture?
What would it take to revere God at all times? Well, for one, our attitudes would improve a great deal! Our tongues would work much less, giving time to our brains and hearts to process our words before we release them. We’d probably have to change the clique of friends we move with, reprioritize our time. Things we read or watch? Whatever it may be, training for a life of reverence requires lots of effort and sacrifice. This is not an easy journey.
Why bother? Why the stress? Because godliness offers lots of value both in this life and the one to come. There’s benefits to having great reverence for God. . .in every area of our lives. Actually, verse 9 and 10 explain further that this is our goal. Our main thing.
God help us keep the main thing the main thing.
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