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.
Reflection
We live in a world that places heavy emphasis on physical fitness. Gyms are full, diets are trending, and self-improvement is a billion-dollar industry. Paul doesn’t deny that physical training has value—he acknowledges it. It can lead to health, discipline, and longevity. But then he draws a bold comparison: godliness is far more valuable, not only for this life, but for the one to come.
The Greek word Paul uses for “train” (γυμνάζω gumnazo) is the root of our word “gymnasium.” Paul is painting a picture of spiritual fitness—requiring daily effort, commitment, and focus. If you have ever let a mean word roll out of your mouth, or instinctually responded in a way you immediately regretted, you know that godliness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a personality trait or a passive state. It’s cultivated by grace-driven effort.
Paul is reminding us that we are to spend time training our hearts to pursue a life that reflects God’s character. Just as an athlete follows a strict regimen, we are called to live with spiritual discipline—practicing prayer, reading Scripture, resisting sin, serving others, and walking in love.
Perhaps now more than ever, we need this reminder. It is much easier to live as the world does – to win at all costs, to assume the worst about others, to curse rather than bless, to expel and exclude rather than invite, to be motivated by anger and anxiety, rather than wisdom and joy.
Paul reminds us that as Christ-followers, we are called to live set apart from the world. And to do so, we must train ourselves accordingly.
by Rev. Kate Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
- What does “training in godliness” look like in your daily life?
- Are you giving more time to improving yourself according to the world’s priorities, or God’s?
- What small habit could you start (or return to) that would strengthen your walk with Christ?
- What is one spiritual practice you could commit to for the next 7 days?
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You care about my daily transformation. Help me to value godliness above all else. Teach me to train my spirit the way the world trains the body—consistently, passionately, and with purpose. Shape me to reflect Christ more each day. May my life hold fruit for today and for eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
