1 Timothy 4. Train yourself for godliness; for while physical training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (4:8). There are many analogies in scripture that compare aspects of physical training, athletic competition, running a race, etc. with our spiritual lives. Undoubtedly there are many parallel lessons we can draw from reflecting on these activities.

I don’t know what your relationship with physical training is – but I will offer you a glimpse into my personality and life. I have this love-hate relationship with the weight room. I know I should spend time in there. Then when I go in there, I am super energized (with my fun music on!) and make a huge plan of how fit I am going to be, and I do all the things… and then I cannot walk or get up off the couch for a week, everything hurts, and I do not want to go back. Who has two hours for working out and showering anyway?! Does this sound like you? Or do you not even bother going in the weightroom anymore?

Then I had a heart-to-heart discussion with my young, fit, military son over Christmas. His argument was that I just needed to find a way to do something – however small – everyday. Was I willing to commit to walking for 20-30 minutes a day? Did I need a podcast to listen to? Would I do a simple weightlifting routine if I could do it in 30 minutes on a rotational basis? If I could do everything in less than an hour, then maybe I could get into a rhythm where a little bit every day added up to a greater level of fitness, slowly, over time. So I said yes. Then he helped me design a plan that allowed me to start small and be consistent on a daily basis. At first it felt insignificant, but I stuck with it. Six months later, I know for certain that I am stronger and healthier because I continue to do a little something every day! (I’m almost up to a 3-minute plank – yay!)

So, if physical training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. We should be just as serious about our spiritual fitness and health, as we are about taking care of our bodies.

How then do we train ourselves for godliness? What would be the spiritual equivalent of committing to walk for 15-20 minutes a day? Is it organizing yourself for a quiet time, a quiet place, and a notebook for prayer? Is it committing to reading one chapter of the Bible every day and reflecting on it? These may not seem like big steps, but they become foundational habits that shape our lives for decades. The 20 minute a day habit is more important than spending one weekend a year at a Christian conference. (And I love conferences – see you at New Room! – but you get my point.)

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, and love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching. Persist in this for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (4:12-16).

We are called to be an example for others – faithful and consistent – so that all may see our progress. Are you making progress? Is it evident to others? What do you need to do differently today so that six months from now you are more fit spiritually than you are today?