Day 20 — Train Yourself

“But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.”

— 1 Timothy 4:7–8 (BSB)

If you want to get better at a sport, what do you do? You train. You practice shooting free throws. You run sprints. You lift weights (if you’re old enough). You practice the same moves again and again until they become automatic.

Paul told Timothy to train too, but not just his body. “Train yourself for godliness.” Godliness means becoming more like God: loving what He loves, doing what He’d do, and living in a way that honors Him.

Paul says, “physical exercise is of limited value.” He’s not saying exercise is bad! Exercise is good. It’s valuable for this life. But godliness is “valuable in every way,” both for “the present life and for the one to come.” Your muscles won’t come with you to heaven. But the man you become will.

So how do you train for godliness? A lot like training for sports:

Practice every day. Athletes don’t get better by practicing once a month. Spiritual training works best a little every day: reading the Bible, praying and obeying.

Build good habits. An athlete trains his muscles until the right moves are automatic. When you practice good choices, like telling the truth, being kind and controlling your temper, they become who you are.

Push through when it’s hard. Every athlete has days when he doesn’t feel like training. Faith is the same. Some days you won’t feel like praying or reading the Bible. Do it anyway.

Get a coach. Athletes have coaches to help them improve. Spiritual “coaches” are parents, pastors, youth leaders and mentors who help you grow.

Train with a team. Being part of a church and having Christian friends helps you grow stronger.

Many guys spend hours training for sports and only a few minutes a week training for godliness. What would happen if you trained your spirit as hard as you train your body?

Think about it: How much time do you spend training for sports or other activities? How much time do you spend training for godliness?

Try this: Create a simple “spiritual training plan” for this week: when you’ll read your Bible, when you’ll pray, and one good habit you’ll practice.

Dear God, help me train myself for godliness, not just my body. Help me practice following You every day, even when I don’t feel like it. Make me the kind of man who is like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.