Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
- 1 Timothy 4:7-8
On Monday, I awoke at 5:00AM feeling determined. After several weeks doing my homework on the best plan to follow, this was to be the day I started a new diet and workout routine. I knew every exercise I was going to do that morning—how many reps, how many sets, what proper form looked like, everything. I was ready.
I made it all of 10 minutes before realizing I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was, and wasn’t going to be able to finish that morning’s workout. I haven’t yet built up the strength to complete the full circuit I’d planned—indeed, it will probably take weeks of repetition before I’m able to do so. I’d forgotten one of the most basic rules of training: you can’t expect to have it all figured out on day one. That’s what the training is for!
What’s true for physical training is true for spiritual training as well. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, the apostle Paul compares the two, reminding believers that, just as physical strength is built steadily over time, so is godliness. While salvation can come instantaneously, with the kind of “road to Damascus” moment that Paul himself experienced, sanctification happens more slowly—not in an instant, but day by day.
Believers in Jesus ought to strive to be like our Lord, to “put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24) that comes with being made new in Christ. But we must also understand that, while inner transformation may be immediate, outward transformation is a process, one the Holy Spirit graciously empowers and enables. So when you stumble—not if, but when—be assured that there is grace and forgiveness for all who seek the Lord. Nobody is a spiritual giant on day one so don’t give up. Keep training!
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