I Timothy 4:8 The Pain and Progress of a Spiritual Workout

10/19/2010 - I Timothy 4:8 The Pain and Progress of a Spiritual Workout

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SCRIPTURE: I Timothy 4:8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

OBSERVATION: Isn't it interesting that we have decided a long time ago that physical training will require a fairly intense level of commitment and willingness to suffer discomfort (that is why we often avoid it--to our detriment). On the other hand, we feel like becoming godly ought to be easy and discomfort free. However, this verse challenges us to commit to the process of becoming godly like we would train for a marathon or a weight lifting competition. It means that we would be willing to give this pursuit the focus, commit and tenacity that physical training requires.

APPLICATION: I need to learn from both sides of this verse. I need to commit more to physical training--losing weight and exercising but, even more, I need to make a real commitment to training in godliness. I am doing pretty well with my daily devotions but I sense God calling me to a deeper level of fasting and intercession. I hate it. Frankly, it hurts!! Yet, I know it will be good for me.

PRAYER: Lord, help me. I want to become more and more like You. I don't want to take the easy way out. Please give me the grace to pursue a disciplined approach to training in godliness--putting down my flesh and pursuing Your kind of life with all that I am.

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