REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on June 18, 2014. Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“What Training for the World Cup and Godliness Has in Common”
1 Timothy 4:7-11
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.
The World Cup in Brazil is in full swing now. For an athlete to get to this stage, there must be years of sacrifice marked by the most rigorous training possible. Only when all potentials are realized, and even then, to only a few, World Cup glory is a minute possibility.
Here in our passage today, the apostle Paul uses the example of physical exercise to illustrate a great spiritual truth. Although there is tremendous value in physical exercise, we are told that we must put as much effort into the exercise unto godliness as these athletes do into the exercise of their bodies. Paul tells Timothy to train himself, not for physical fitness, but for godliness. Do you desire to be godly? If so, are you willing to train yourself with the commitment and rigor of a world-class athlete to become a godly person?
Godliness is not about being perfect in character, for none of us will ever attain that on this side of eternity. Godliness on this side of heaven is attained when our disposition is lined up with the pursuit of God’s glory. Godliness is not one of the many Christian traits we are supposed to aspire to; it is the basic, foundational character upon which the other characters rest. In other words, it’s what holds the Fruit of the Spirit together. Nothing is excluded, and all are tied together.
So what does this look like? It’s like when you do your ordinary duties with an eye to God’s glory. God is at the center of your thoughts. He is the reason why you do what you do and why you choose not to do what you don’t do. In making Him the end, and not just the means, you are training yourself to become a godly person.
So again, I ask, Are you focusing on what is important to the Lord? Are you avoiding compromise because you cherish God’s glory more? Are you making a conscious effort to adhere to the teachings of Scripture, demonstrating a pattern of godly transformation? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to make the changes necessary to be more like Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may my greatest ambition in life be to pursue godliness. Help me to go after godliness more than I do my career or academic success. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 2
Lunch Break Study
Read Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, [13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Questions
- What kind of lives are we called to live according to v.12?
- What blocks godliness from being exhibited in me?
- How can I make godliness practical throughout the day?
Notes
- Life of godliness.
- Ungodliness and worldly passions; such as sin, “lukewarmness,” pride, greed, unforgiving heart, etc.
- Often godliness is the result of making routine decisions that honor God because you sense the presence of His Spirit in your life; you are motivated and led by the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
Evening Reflection
Did your day reflect your ambition for God’s presence today? Could you honestly say that you pursued godliness today?