Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Step into any bookstore, and you’ll notice shelves filled with self-help books promising to transform every aspect of life—from finances and health to relationships and career success. While there’s nothing wrong with striving to be your best, I often wonder if, in the pursuit of self-improvement, we are overlooking what truly matters most.
In a world that constantly draws our attention to the physical and temporary, it’s easy to get swept up in perfecting our minds and bodies, while neglecting the deeper, eternal part of who we are.
We’ve become experts in bettering our lives here and now, but what about nurturing the one thing that holds lasting significance—our spiritual growth through training in godliness?
In this devotional, we’ll journey through 1 Timothy 4:7-8, diving into why training in godliness is not only vital but transformative for every believer longing to live fully in their God-given calling.
Understanding the Call to Godliness
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, “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.”
Paul’s message to Timothy is clear: avoid distractions and focus on what truly matters—training in godliness. The phrase “train yourself to be godly” highlights that godliness doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and discipline, just like physical training.
While Paul acknowledges the value of physical exercise, he emphasizes that spiritual training is far more important. It’s easy to become consumed with improving ourselves in the physical realm—our health, appearance, and intellect—but God looks deeper. He sees our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
If we truly want to live for God and please Him, we must prioritize our spiritual health above all else. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’; aim at earth and you will get neither.”
Embracing Spiritual Training
To understand spiritual training, we can start by reflecting on the purpose of physical exercise.
Just as regular workouts strengthen muscles, boost endurance, and improve overall well-being, training in godliness works similarly. It fortifies our faith, builds resilience, and nurtures a deeper sense of peace, joy, and hope—qualities that empower us to face life’s challenges with grace and strength.
But spiritual training isn’t just about personal development; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and living in a way that pleases Him. The rewards extend beyond this life, carrying eternal significance.
As we grow in godliness, we develop the characteristics of a mature Christian, becoming more like Christ and experiencing a closer walk with God, where His voice becomes clearer, and we step confidently into the purpose He has for us.
Practical Steps to Grow in Godliness
To grow in godliness, it’s important to weave spiritual practices into your everyday life. Simply attending church services isn’t enough—you need to embrace spiritual disciplines that intentionally deepen your relationship with the Lord.
So how can we practically train ourselves in godliness? Below are a six steps to help you grow in godliness:
- Cultivate a Prayer Life
Prayer is your personal connection to communicate directly with God. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal—God simply wants to spend time with you. Share your heart with Him, and take time to listen. Make prayer a daily habit, not just a one-time activity.
- Meditate on and Apply God’s Word
God’s Word is the fuel for your spiritual growth. Just as we nourish our physical bodies with healthy food, we must nourish our spirits with Scripture. Matthew 4:4 reminds us of this truth: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Read, reflect on, and apply God’s Word to your life. It will strengthen your spiritual muscles. For an extensive library featuring live Bible studies, check out our Worship in My City community. (We also recommend the SOAP Bible study method–a method that seamlessly fits into your routine while allowing you to enjoy a fulfilling quiet time with the Lord.)
- Spend Time in Worship
Worship is more than just a Sunday activity. It’s a way of life. Take time each day to acknowledge God’s goodness and offer Him praise. Worship shifts your focus from yourself to Him and helps you grow in gratitude and love. After all, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, ESV), and worship opens our hearts to that contentment and joy found in Christ. One way to engage in this is by glorifying God through your creativity.
- Engage in Self-Reflection
Take time to assess your spiritual journey. Are you growing in love, patience, and humility? Ask God to reveal areas that need improvement, and seek His help in cultivating those qualities.
- Avoid Distractions
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere—social media, entertainment, current events. Be intentional about how you spend your time. Limit activities that pull you away from spiritual growth and focus on those that draw you closer to God.
- Stay Connected to Community
Surround yourself with believers who will encourage and challenge you in your walk with God. Being part of a supportive community helps you stay accountable and motivated.
At Worship in My City, we’ve created a community where you can connect with other believers, find spiritual resources, and grow in godliness together.
As you embrace these practices, you’ll naturally develop the characteristics of a mature Christian, which are key to godliness. You’ll begin to bear the fruits of the spirit, growing in the character of Christ as you mature.
Final Thoughts
Training in godliness is a beautiful, lifelong pursuit that invites us to live with intention and discipline, but its rewards reach far beyond this life. It’s important to remember that godliness isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about having a heart that is devoted to pleasing God. As you grow spiritually, trust that the Lord sees your dedication and delights in your desire to reflect His character.
This week, I encourage you to take practical steps in this journey of spiritual growth. Whether it’s spending more time in prayer or diving deeper into Scripture, every step brings you closer to the heart of God. You can even develop a spiritual training plan, similar to a fitness regimen, to help you stay focused and committed to cultivating these practices.
Unlike physical training, where rest is essential, spiritual strengthening works differently. The more you invest in it, the stronger you grow, and the process itself refreshes and restores your overall well-being. Isaiah 40:31 encourages us: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
As you journey through your spiritual growth, may you find yourself soaring, never running out of strength or momentum!