On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7–8 NAS95)
Paul nears the end of his life and ministry challenging and encouraging Timothy with these words. He has spoken in this letter of godliness, what it looks like and what it takes to get there. He knew because he’d both lived this admonition to Timothy and seen its impact through time in his own life. Paul had prayed, listened to the Word, Sabbathed, walked in the Spirit, proclaimed the gospel, made disciples, spoke of the Kingdom, and he did these things incessantly. Yet he had keen awareness that godliness has its roots in a relationship with God and a supreme love for Him. Making time to be present to God and taking time, cultivating that relationship, disciplining oneself for godliness held the key to a fruitful life for God’s purposes. Jesus called it abiding.
Paul desires fruitfulness in the life of His disciple, Timothy. He understands building in time with God in prayer, the Word, silence, solitude, rest, meditation, listening, etc., fosters a flourishing in life that cannot be attained any other way. It is profitable for all things. Such discipline trains one for Kingdom living, Christlike living, in the midst of the harriedness and pressures of the day to day. Paul well understood godliness was not self-willed or self-made but God-infused through relating and engaging with Him. Paul wanted Timothy rooted and grounded deeply in his relationship with God, so he writes these words because they hold the key to transformation in this life and familiarize us with the quality of life to come. May we take to heart Paul's words.
For Reflection:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Psalms 32:8 NAS95)
- How have you disciplined yourself for godliness? What are regular practices in your relationship with God?
- What other practices of the spiritual life might God be inviting you to regularly employ in your relationship with him?
