Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train
yourself to be godly. For 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.
He ran the race.
In the 1970s and 80s my husband, Tim, ran marathons; those
twenty-six mile races created for people with great endurance. I can't imagine
having the determination or fortitude to take on such a challenge.
But he did. He prepared every day right up to the race. He
practiced until the running became a habit. Some days he prepared his muscles
with a fifteen mile run at the pace he'd do in the marathon. Other days, he
called recovery days, he slowed his steps and ran a shorter distance. Some days
he sprinted. He varied his exercise as he created the habit of daily runs.
Over the last two years, Tim took another challenge. The
doctor wanted him to lose weight. And he did. He changed his eating habits and
started walking every day, at least five miles. He lost over seventy pounds. Physical training is valuable.
Godly training is golden. It infiltrates every aspect of life.
Which exercise pumps up spiritual muscles? Praying, reading the Bible, taking a
walk and appreciating God's creation, sharing Jesus with children or a friend, listening
to praise music, and attending church (in person or online.) And breaking bad
habits—like self-doubt, fear, and worry.
Godly training looks different for each person.
Just as Tim made a habit of running every day to prepare for the race, we work to make a habit of learning more about Jesus and praying as we run with God.
Is there a habit that might bring you closer to Jesus? Or one
that keeps you apart?