Have You Failed?

We train for lots of things in our lives. We might train to play an instrument or train to get a good grade on a test at school or train to win a race. I ran track for two years in high school. I left practice exhausted, but I felt stronger. The physical training was good for me, even on the days when I didn’t feel like moving.

I love Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4, as he writes to the young pastor Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy—and, in doing so, reminds us—that while physical training is of some value, it’s nothing compared to godliness.

No matter how strictly we stick to our workout schedules or to our other training, our muscles, endurance, and skill will eventually fade. But when we train our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ and His life, death, and resurrection, we remember the promises He’s given us for this life and the one to come. And this spiritual training has value that will never pass away.

But how do we train our hearts and minds in Jesus’ promises? First, we have to realize that growth is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us and transforms us to be more and more like Jesus. He empowers us to pursue godliness instead of sin. But if we do sin, Jesus’ forgiveness still holds true (1 John 2:1).

There’s no picture-perfect workout plan to help us pursue godliness, but God’s Word is filled with instructions on how we can live more like Jesus. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul reminds us to receive God’s creation with thanksgiving. To nourish ourselves on the truths of the faith by diving into God’s Word. To serve those around us. To love those on the outskirts of society.

So let’s train for the promise, knowing God will be with us every step of the way, in the present life and in the life to come. • Becca Wierwille

• What are some things in your life that you spend a lot of time training for? How is that training similar to training for godliness? How is it different?

• Take another look at today’s Bible passages. What examples can you find for ways we can train our hearts and minds to be more like Jesus?

• Who encourages you to pursue godliness in your life, reminding you of the truths of the gospel? Who can you encourage with these same truths?

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

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