Day 292

Jeremiah 33:1–34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24

IN OUR READING from 1 Timothy today, Paul told his son in the faith that he should “train [him]self to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). This sounds like a healthy endeavor that could only bring good, but how does one do it?

By definition, to train is to develop a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.* For believers, to be godly is ultimately to imitate Jesus. In essence, Paul was encouraging Timothy to practice spiritual disciplines centered around being Christlike.

But how?

Journey with me 292 days in the past to New Year’s morning. We consumed a healthy breakfast, put on yoga pants, and were ready to tackle those fitness goals.

Where we went from that moment is where we are right now.

Some of us have achieved fitness that we haven’t experienced in years. Others are pretty much where we were this time last year.

If we want to be physically fit, we have to train ourselves. This certainly involves getting off the couch, but more importantly, it involves training our mind and will to collaborate with our body. To be successful, we have to begin —and then continue in a straight line for as long as it takes. It is absolutely astounding what a few months of faithful dedication can do.

Why would we think this would be any different spiritually?

As with fitness, training ourselves to be godly has a first step. We must become observant. Every time we turn to anger or indifference, or any of a host of spiritually unhealthy things that may go on inside us, we have to be able to see it. When we can see it, that sin is no longer in the darkness. From there, we have a platform from which to invite God. When we ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance each time we engage in unhealthy behaviors, we are training ourselves to be godly —we are participating in systematic disciplines that make us more aware of God’s presence and involvement in our lives.

Once we’ve begun this, we simply continue in a straight line for as long as it takes. That straight line will certainly turn into a narrow path. And that narrow path will lead to life.

Anything that will assist us in this endeavor can become a spiritual discipline. We can certainly find plenty of literature on the subject. But ultimately, we have to find disciplines that are shaped like us —and us and God together. When we pursue these things, we will be achieving spiritual strengths and skills through instruction and practice over a period of time. Find your own rhythm. None of us are masters. There is only one Master. But as we seek to be like Jesus, we are training ourselves to be godly.

WORSHIP:

O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.