"Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of a value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
What immediately popped to my mind was the high school football state semi-final match up this afternoon that I will be watching between South Christian and Comstock Park. I am an alumni of South Christian who has youth group students on the football team. (South Christian also won the state title last year).
Also, the South Christian volleyball team is in the state finals today vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep which also has some youth group students on it.
And this verse also reminds me of the influence that sports has on people. Now I am not going to go on and on ranting about high school and younger aged sports. However, I want to note one thing--these students on all four of these teams (and all teams really), worked long hours this past summer (and prior summers) at camps and training sessions and lifting weights; they put in long hours on the field and in the gym this past fall--three weeks before the season started and they probably even did stuff last year after the season ended. I guess what I am trying to say is that these kids put in a LOT OF TIME to pursue one thing--the state title.
And many high school students will get scholarship offers from colleges and universities to play sports at their school. Therefore, the decision-making process for colleges and degree choices is quickly approaching for those in their last years of high school.
There are many factors into a college choice such as:
- Location in relationship to where their parent's live
- Size of the college and campus
- Financial package
- Athletics
- Degree programs
- Public or private college/university
- Size of dorm rooms
- Where their friends are going
- Etc.
However, one of the factors that often students miss or seemingly forget when deciding colleges or universities is this:
Is there a church nearby that I love? Is there a church nearby at all? If there is a church nearby, can I get involved?
Students year after year go to college and begin the independent lifestyle. And they were raised to go to church at least once a Sunday (sometimes twice!). But when it came to the first Sunday in the Fall semester; there were no parents to wake you up for church; there was no cinnamon rolls for breakfast and no alarm clock to wake up to that was set for church time. Actually, most students forget about church altogether when they move to college. It becomes an 'option' for them to attend and to be involved in.
Parents don't often think of this either when they are taking their child for a college visit; it doesn't even cross their mind. Actually, all they are thinking of is the financial package and degree programs because they see this time of schooling as 'training for the future'.
While this is all true; what parents don't help students do and what many church leaders don't do for students is help them train now for the future; this is not physical or mental training--it is training to be godly.
Paul says to Timothy (a young pastor in Ephesus) that "bodily training has some value". We train our bodies so many ways nowadays--running, exercising, yoga, weight lifting, and many exercising machines--that we almost become a slave to our own bodies. We want the best 'shape' of our bodies and the best 'toned' muscles that we can get (thank you culture).
But not everyone can have the best because then who would be the best? Being the best and most 'fit' is a never-ending cycle that we cannot win.
Our bodies are 'temples of the Holy Spirit within you, whom we have from God" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
So while we train our bodies, it does have some value--yes to be healthy. Being healthy and content with our physique is a different story than wanting the best 'tone' and 'shape' we can get. Content and healthy.
But 'godliness is of value in every way".
Every way.
All things.
All situations.
Every chapter of life.
Every situation that we find our self in.
Godliness is of value for all the above and in every way.
Bodily training is of value--for a little while.
Godliness is of value in every way.
Godly training comes from church; education; personal devotions and prayer and communion with the Triune God--this is godly training.
So just like the college students who are looking for colleges want to train themselves physically and mentally in preparation for their future careers.
I appeal to you college-bound students; if you are moving away to college, consider the options of churches in the surrounding area you will be in.
Not only will you be training physically and mentally, but with the help of the church and the Holy Spirit; you will be training for godliness also.
And just a few verses later; Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
When we train for godliness; we set an example in our speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
When we train for godliness; we fight the good fight of the faith, and we flee all evil and pursue righteousness.
When we train for godliness; we realize that we can be content in all circumstances (plenty and empty)
When we train for godliness; we guard the deposit entrusted to us.
When we train for godliness; we pursue Christ.
So college-bound students; what do you value?
Bodily training and/or godliness?
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