“Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
I Tim. 4:7-8 ESV
“Godliness” is another word for Christlikeness, which is God’s top priority in our lives. This passage encourages us that all the effort we put into becoming godly, or Christlike, is more than worth it. Why? Because God promises that in eternity we will be rewarded for our godliness! In the New Creation God will give us blessings for our godliness, and these will be blessings that will be valuable to us in eternity.
This is why we “toil and strive” (I Tim. 4:10) now. We are not passive, we do not only receive. Rather, we make efforts, we apply our willpower which has been born again, and we always depend on the Spirit. Some don’t like this idea but it is clear in scripture. (See 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 3:12-14; Col. 1:29; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 4:7-10; 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:4-6; 4:7; Heb. 4:11; 12:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:5-7.) But more importantly, it is all worth it. Remember:
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV Strong’s)
How much do you focus on the future blessings of becoming like Christ? How would this focus help you to pursue Christlikeness?
