Spiritual Disciplines: Godliness
1 Timothy 4:7b-8
The Upward Look
© Copyright 2014, Max D. Hutto,
“On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 NASB
At the beginning of a new year many people set goals to get their body physically fit by exercise and diet. Paul writing to Timothy states that while there is profit in bodily discipline, the greatest profit comes in spiritual discipline. The word “discipline” comes from the same root word as “gymnasium,” where physical exercise is done, and carries the idea of training exercises. Just as we are to exercise our physical bodies, we are to exercise our spirit for the purpose of becoming godly. Godliness is living according to God’s ways, obeying God’s will, and assimilating God’s character into our lives.
Lord Jesus, just as I exercise to get in better physical shape, help me also to exercise to get in better spiritual shape. Teach me how to exercise for the purpose of godliness.
January 17, 2014
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