Did you know you can exercise your spiritual nature and grow in godliness? Everyone understands that exercise is good for the body. Moving physical muscles by lifting weights or walking distance is good. But sitting on the couch watching TV takes way less effort.

I put a fitness tracker on my dog. Sounds crazy, but it actually helps me move more.

Let me explain. My dog averages about 15k steps a day, and anything above that is directly because I put the leash on him and take him for a walk. I’m more likely to walk him instead of crashing on the couch if I know he’s depending on me. The benefit to exercise feels more urgent when it’s for someone else, not just myself.

There’s a truth there spiritually too.

More than Physical

Paul in his letter to the younger apostle Timothy says physical exercise has value, but we’re so much more than physical beings. We’re spiritual too, and exercising our spiritual nature in godliness is of greater value than even training our bodies.

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. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

Exercise is Temporary

Our physical bodies no matter how much we exercise or eat healthy will still die one day. Healthy living might buy 5 years, or at most 20? That’s temporary gain for here and now. Paul, with a godly perspective, notes that spiritual exercise benefits us now and in the life to come. It’s a win-win.

Spiritual Training

We all know what physical exercise looks like. So what does spiritual training in godliness look like? First, let’s define it. Godliness is respect toward God.

So, what does spiritual training in respect toward God look like? It’s training our minds, hearts, and lives in respect toward God.

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. 1 Timothy 4:7a ESV

Respect God and Yourself

Refuse to trade in conspiracies and stories that are simply not true. Social media like Facebook and Twitter/X are full of people trading mindless junk to support their views. It happens two ways:

First, creating a myth of a life that doesn’t exist. Posting pictures of family and food that paint a false image is the opposite of respecting God. We lie to others and ourselves.

Second, stats and quotes that validate our own views, usually through a political lens. Most memes are out of context with only partial truth. These irreverent, silly myths perpetuate outrage and do nothing to respect God even if people think they’re defending Him by pushing untruths.

that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:2b ESV

Disciplined and Devoted

Godliness in a believer’s spiritual life is a peaceful, quiet, and dignified life as much as we can control it. It’s not prone to outbursts of anger, lust, or stirring up others for amusement (there may be times to fight, but they’re rare).

The greatest godliness in real life isn’t a preacher. It’s the family that lives day by day disciplined and devoted to God and what’s important to Him. A person living in godliness will seem out of touch with the world. In new settings with new people, I never walk in saying “hello everyone, I’m a Christian.” Yet that vibe flows off me, and people always seem to recognize my respect toward God. It shows in my speech, diligence, lack of drama, and overall approach to life.

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. 1 Timothy 6:3-4 ESV

Godliness Grounded in Biblical Truth

Finally, godliness must be exercised inside the biblical truths God has given. Since godliness is respect toward God, we must learn who He is and what His expectations are for people.

That requires devotion to a sound local church where we learn, get encouraged, and serve others. Just like I’m more likely to exercise for my dog, I’m more likely to exercise godliness by serving others in church.

Godliness is learning to live less about “me” and more about organizing life around God even when it’s hard on my own desires.

Thanks for reading. Click the like button or leave a comment. I hope this was helpful to your personal devotion or small group. You can continue reading Faith for the Walk Ahead.