1 Timothy 4:7-10 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 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. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
With the new year just around the corner I can’t help but think about some of the new years resolutions I will be considering. I really don’t make formal resolutions because I never keep them, but I do consider what I should be doing that maybe I haven’t been doing that I could start doing that would improve the quality of my life.
One of those considerations always relates to my physical health. How can I eat better, exercise more, and get better rest? And my spiritual health. Can I spend more time in the Word, more prayer, more study… after awhile I get bogged down trying more and doing better I just give up.
Paul instructs us today to not get caught up in fables, myths, and the like, but to train ourselves in godliness. I know that taking care of my body is essential while I’m here, and I’m pretty sure Paul did too since he traveled hundreds of miles on foot as he proclaimed the Gospel. But the striving I’m going to set my mind on this year will be of eternal value. Not trying to do more for the sake of more, but do less of the things that aren’t essential so my striving for the essential isn’t a burden.
When my focus is on eternity then what I do should be in line with where I’m focused. This year, rather than trying to do more or be better, I’m simply going to focus on Christ and ask Him to help me clean up my life by pruning away those things that are non-essential and keep me focused on those things that are of benefit for this life and the life to come.
Lord, help me to train for godliness. To focus on the essentials and prune away those things that distract me from what you would have for me. Thank you for your strength and guidance as I walk daily in Christ. Amen.
