Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

1 Timothy 4:6-16 (NRSV)

If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ 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. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

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Reflect

It is amazing to see how the physical body can be transformed when close attention is paid to diet and exercise. Not only is the body transformed in appearance, it is also transformed in its capacity to accomplish tasks! Someone who once struggled to walk up a flight of stairs will find that they are able to walk a mile after just a short period of training.

Paul reminds us that, while physical training certainly has value, it is even more important that attention be given to developing in godliness. In our context, we might call this “sanctification.” About sanctification, our Confession of Faith says “Believers never achieve sinless perfection in this life, but through the ministry of the Holy Spirit they can be progressively conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, thereby growing in faith, hope, love, and other gifts of the Spirit” (4.22).

It takes practice. Just as no one becomes a great marathon runner simply by reading about it in a magazine, growing in conformity to the image of Jesus Christ takes a commitment of time, obedience, and application of that which is of God. There will be setbacks, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, change will be seen.

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Pray

Holy God, help us by your Spirit to live lives that show your continuous transformation in becoming more like Jesus. Help us to grow in faith, hope, love, and in all the good things of the Spirit. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Go with God.