Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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 4:7-8 (NIV)
Training
What are important elements of training? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Think of physical training for a moment. What would be desirable elements of physical training? It would be important to develop a plan and consistently follow that plan. A hit or miss approach to physical training would not be good. Why is that? I would not receive much benefit from hit and miss training that was not consistent. To benefit from physical training, it would be very important to continue with it day in and day out. What else? Physical training, to be most effective would need to consider a variety of related elements. Such as? Diet and rest are a very important aspect of physical training. For my body to receive the greatest benefit I would need to develop a rhythm of exercise and rest along with a proper diet to feed my body. That’s true. I want you to engage in this kind of training for your body. Why is that? For you to be most vibrant, healthy and alive you will need to take care of your body. I understand.
But it is far more important that you take care of your spiritual life. It is of some value for you to engage in consistent physical training. It is of far more benefit for you to engage in spiritual training. Why is that? Do you want to live a godly life? Do you want to become more like me? Do you want to think godly thoughts, speak godly words and do godly deeds? Yes, I do, without a doubt. Then you must enter into spiritual training. How will I do that? You tell me. I will make a plan to meet with you every day in your word. I will make a plan every day to meet with you in prayer. I will put your word into practice. I will listen to your voice. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will allow you to work in and through my life. I will continually be at your service. Does that sound like a plan? Yes, it does.
There is one thing you should know about having a plan. I think I know what you are going to say. What’s that? A plan is only good if it is followed day in and day out on a consistent ongoing basis. I must not grow weary. I must not become impatient. I must not give up. I may be the last one to notice my own progress. But you will help me every step of the way as I continue to follow and serve you. You will keep me going. You will help me to be strong. You will make me to be like you in all that I think, say and do. Yes, I will.
Lord, I will engage in physical training to keep my body healthy. But far more importantly I will engage in daily and ongoing spiritual training so I can become more like you. Make me to be like you in all that I think, say and do, so I will bring glory to your name. Amen
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