October 19: “How to Grow In Godliness”

4 Minute Read + Scripture readings

TODAY’S BIBLE READING:

Jeremiah 33:1–34:22
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Psalm 89:1-13
Proverbs 25:23-24

TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

1 Timothy 4:7–8 (CSB): “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verses for Today, we are given words that almost smell like a men’s locker room. We are told to train ourselves and it talks about “training of the body.”

As Paul writes to his protege, Timothy, he says something that both of them would understand. Bodily exercise is beneficial. Doing the hard things in the present yield a fit body in the future.

Then, Paul draws a comparison to spiritual exercise. He tells Timothy that if he is going to get spiritually fit and capable of handling whatever life sends his way, he had better hit the spiritual gym in the present.

So, how do we grow in godliness?

Ultimately, it is God. He is the reason for our growth. It is only by His grace. We can do things that put ourselves in a place where God can grow us but it is ultimately His working in our lives that grows us.

Just think about this: When someone goes to the gym and works out, they aren’t building muscles. In actuality, they are creating micro-tears in their muscles. Their “off days,” when they rest from exercise, is a time when their muscles do minor repairs and build the muscles back a little stronger and a little bigger. Trips to the gym don’t grow muscles. They simply create an opportunity for muscles to grow.

It is this way in our spiritual lives. We cannot grow ourselves spiritually. We can simply do those things that put us in a place where God can grow us.

So, what can we do to put ourselves into a place where God can get us spiritually fit?

Read your Bible. But, also spend time reflecting on what you read. Consider memorizing portions of it. And definitely focus on obeying whatever you read.

Spend time in prayer.

Set aside times for worship (not just Sundays).

Learn about and practice the disciplines of silence and solitude.

In fact, I would recommend a book that deals with how to get spiritual fit by engaging in spiritual disciplines. It’s “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Don Whitney.

This book dives into specific spiritual disciplines and tells you how to make the most of them. If you are serious about wanting to growing in godliness but would love a targeted plan for doing so, I would highly recommend this book!