Training

Training

Bible:1 Timothy 4:6-16

Reading

Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come (V.8).

I’m not going to join the track team again! I said that to myself lots of times during school. But every track season, there I was, back on the team. Why did I have a love/hate relationship with running? The training! During practice, we pushed ourselves really hard. After each session we’d ache for days! But we also got fitter and faster. So, even though I disliked all the training, it was good for me. There’s another kind of training that is far more important—training in godliness. Because walking with God doesn’t just happen. It takes effort, like training for a race. We have to be intentional about it. How? Firstly, just like physical training, we need to watch what we eat. What are you filling yourself up with? Reality TV? Social media feeds? Paul encouraged Timothy, who he mentored, to fill up firstly on the truth and good teaching of the Bible (1 TIMOTHY 4:6). Taking time out to be with God and think about all He says to us is great training for living with Him! In fact, it’s essential! Secondly, let’s use our time well. Paul told Timothy, “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales” (V.7 NLT). We can’t simply wish we had time to hang out with God—we need to actually make time and stick to it. I take lots of walks with God. Along the way, I like to listen to sermons or simply talk with Him about what’s going on. These ‘workouts’ have been great for my training in godliness.

WE DON’T DRIFT WITH GOD; WE WALK WITH HIM!

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries