Promise for the Life to Come

Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 3-4

Scripture Focus: Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Devotional Thought: Sadly, false teaching abounded in the early church (as it does still today), and we listen in as Paul warns Timothy to “have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths,” (v7); instead, train yourself for godliness… “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come,” (v8).

In today’s humanist culture, we are obsessed with our physical well-being. It shouldn’t surprise us, and apparently it was an issue in Paul’s time as well. There is nothing wrong with concerning ourselves with our physical health and condition. To the contrary, our bodies are the temple of God and we should treat them with respect and care. However, it should never be at the expense of our spiritual well-being and growth. The focus around us is almost exclusively on the outward appearance and the inward physiological health. It makes sense from a worldly perspective – if there is no God, no eternal life, then the best you can do is to try to outlive as many as you can.

We know better. Paul sees the folly on focusing on the outward at the expense of your spirit condition. After all, Paul argues, bodily training benefits you in this life, but training in godliness will not only benefit you in this life but in the life to come. I can tell you from personal experience that my greatest victories in life have not come from healthy eating habits or an exercise routine, but from my growth in the Lord through prayer and Scripture. Why do we toil and strive to this end? Because we have our hope set on the living God!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, please remind us daily that growth in you is not optional. When we are tempted to ignore the eternal to pursue the temporary, give us your perspective and wisdom.

Psalm of the Day: 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalms 119:9-16)