Physical training – health and wellness – is everywhere we look. We are told as both men and women that there are standards and models. Some are simply striving for health, but others are striving for Instagram-worthy physique and perfection. Did you know that the health and wellness industry in the US alone is a 2 TRILLION dollar mega industry? When was the last time you were on social media and didn’t see a post which was really an advertisement or influencer for health and wellness? Did you know that the health and wellness industry spent $4.1 billion on influencers and social media in 2023 with consistent growth since then?

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When I hear Paul’s words of warning to Timothy about not wasting time over godless ideas and old wives’ tales, I think of the many click-bait ads on social media. Always promising the next best thing. And believe me, I’ve wanted it as my knees get older and the pain increases.

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But since the beginning of time, God’s ways are best. Paul’s letter to Timothy reminds us that, while training our bodies is good, there is something better. So let’s start with the physical training for a minute. Think about what you do and how much time you spend. Do you go to the gym each day? Do you have a routine for each part of your body? Are you into weights or cardio – or both? Or do you prefer the natural approach – outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, running, and biking? In each of these there are elements of training the body. They require discipline, focus, and commitment. The results are hopefully a healthier body, increased strength, greater lung capacity, a strong heart, and the ability to care well for yourself, your family, and those around you.

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All that is good. But training for godliness is much better. Your body will age – there’s no training to avoid that. And ultimately, your body will die. That’s our reality. But your spirit will live. So, what are you doing to train yourself spiritually?

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Have you ever even thought about having a spiritual training plan? What if leg days went with a certain focus in your spiritual training? What would it look like to create a plan and tie your physical and spiritual training together? The reality is that growing in godliness – in understanding God’s Word, meeting Him in prayer, discerning His voice, following Him in obedience – all require the same discipline, focus, and commitment that we need to apply to our physical bodies.

Your physical training may not only be for yourself. You do want to invest in keeping yourself healthy and strong to care for those around you. However, have you considered the impact of your spiritual training on those around you? When you train yourself in godliness, you are not only growing stronger spiritually, but you are setting an example for those around you – at work, in your home, at the gym!

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This reminds me of my own Dad. Every morning I knew where to find him – without fail. He was in his office with his Bible open. I knew that he was committed to his time with God each morning – in the Word and prayer. This became a foundational example in my life that I wanted to emulate for my children – and to continue the pattern of training in godliness.

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So, today I challenge you to assess where you stand with your spiritual training. Are you being intentional? Are you disciplined? Do you have a plan? When you start a new physical effort, you are often asked to identify your “why.” Why is this important for you to commit yourself to? Think about this same question for your spiritual training. What is going to get you out of bed when you’d rather hit snooze one more time? What is going to keep you focused? Find a buddy; join a group; be accountable.

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Train on!