Daily Walk Through the New Testament
January 18
Read 1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
In his prime, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the greatest bodybuilder in the world. At his best, he could bench-press 440 pounds and squatted 470 pounds. In contrast, consider Billy Graham. Even on his best day, he could never come close to matching Arnold’s physical prowess. However, while Arnold devoted himself to physical training as a young man, Billy devoted himself to godliness. As he neared his 100th birthday, Billy’s body was weak & feeble, but his godliness far surpassed that of his youth. Arnold, on the other hand, can no longer bench press the 440 pounds of his prime, and the older he gets the weaker his body will become.
Paul commended to Timothy the value of exercising himself toward godliness because godliness draws us closer to God and prepares us to spend an eternity with Him. Godliness also benefits those who are around us. Paul charged Timothy to be an example “in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (4:12). These traits are the fruit of a life devoted to godliness.
No doubt, Arnold has been an inspiration to many aspiring bodybuilders, but in the end he will lose all that he worked so hard for (Mark 8:36). But, Billy, has made an eternal impact upon millions through his ministry and godly example.
Are you following Paul’s charge to Timothy? Nurture your relationship with God and pursue spiritual growth in Him. Make training in godliness your priority in life!