Exercising godliness? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:7–8

Exercising godliness?
We often associate “exercising” with school, music or sport. We want to make progress in something and achieve a goal. That’s why we do the same thing over and over again, to discover inconsistencies and mistakes in the execution of tasks and to eventually avoid these errors. We practise something until it belongs to our range of behaviour – until we can, for example, perform a precise movement without even thinking about it.

“Godliness” means being bringing God into all the details of life and living in a very close relationship with Him. How can I practise this? First, it must be my desire and goal to live life in this close relationship with God. Then I need to consciously and repeatedly do things that deepen this relationship. I read the Bible regularly and talk to God in prayer. I ask Him again and again – like a friend – for His advice. This takes energy and dedication. I have to be ready to do His will. May the Lord help us all in carrying this out. We can’t do it without Him.

But we have to make the heart decision to exercise ourselves. The Lord Jesus does not force us to do it, but He shows us the beneficial consequences of this effort. Godliness is useful in all things and, when coupled with moderation, is of great benefit (1 Timothy 6:6). It enriches our lives in all respects and leads to greater glory for the Lord.

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 3:18-29 · Matthew 21:12-17