Day –  299

Training in godliness

_Read: Jeremiah 43,44; Psalm 117; 1 Timothy 4_

*Scripture:* 1 Timothy 4: 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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.

*Observation:* An ancient Tamil poet sings, “uṭampai vaḷartēṉ uyirai vaḷartēṉē,” which means “I nurtured my body, it helped my prana (life-giving force, breath) or life.” Nowadays, people are so concerned about their health and join in fitness programs or gyms. However, only those who are continually doing their physical exercises keep their bodies fit. Here, Paul does not undermine the value of physical training. Instead, he draws our attention to see the importance and value of godliness. He commands his protégé and spiritual son Timothy, “train yourself to be godly.” The first step toward training in godliness is strictly rejecting, refusing, not paying any attention to “godless myths and old wives’ tales.” Myths refer to popular beliefs or opinions which are not true. Old wives’ tales refer to superstitious and unreliable stories which are believed by many as true. Paul says they are godless, so listening to them is of no use. In verses 1-3, Paul mentions deceiving lies and unbiblical asceticism, which would affect people’s faith and mislead them. Every culture has myths and misleading tales. We should be careful about them. We have nothing to do with any godless myths and fables. Instead, our focus should be on God and His Word, not on any human words and opinions.

We may wonder what the actual meaning of godliness is. John Piper explains, “godliness…. which means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God.” In other words, it refers to the way we live for God. Paul’s command to Timothy implies that we need to discipline ourselves or exercise self-control to be godly. Any training requires a commitment to do it sincerely. Reading the Word of God and prayer are essential spiritual disciplines for all of us. We need to nourish ourselves with the truths of God by obeying the word of God because godliness has value both on this earth and in eternity. We should not neglect our everyday spiritual disciplines to grow spiritually and to witness for the Lord. When we give excessive importance to perishable and temporary things, how much more value should we give to eternal things? Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mat.16:26). We should give our utmost care to train ourselves in godliness. We should set our mind “on things above, not on earthly things” (Col.3:2). We must fix our eyes on eternity, not on temporal things (2 Cor.4:17).

 ication:* I should train myself in godliness through reading the Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. I should not neglect both physical and spiritual exercises. Though they both are useful, my spiritual training is more important as it brings me close to God and enables me to live with him in eternity. God has given me hope and the promise of eternal life. I should live for eternity to be with Him forever.

 *Prayer:* Father God, thank you for reminding me about the spiritual exercises to be godly. Jesus, sanctify me with your word. Lord, give me your strength to live holy and godly. Amen.

✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️  Day –  299