“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.””1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
As we begin this new year, the talk of New Year resolutions appears again on our TVs and in our own conversations. The main resolve always seems to be a fresh dedication to do more exercise and eat healthier food. Gym memberships increase and diet books top the bestseller lists as we try to live healthier.
But "trying" sometimes isn't enough. We need to train and dedicate ourselves to exercise and eat better. A person who trains and prepares for a race will beat the person who just turns up and tries to win.
The Bible verse tells us that training our physical body is a good thing, but training for Godliness is much better. A godly person is one who walks closely with Jesus, acts properly, reacts properly, and leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that he/she is a child of the King.
And in doing so, there is a reward. We are promised "benefits in this life and in the life to come" when we train in godliness. We can be sure the benefits from our Heavenly Father are going to do us more good than loosing a few pounds.
So don't feel too guilty if the diet slips a bit or the gym membership gets cancelled. Aim for a closer walk with Jesus and you'll see real benefits in your life in 2017.