Make Time to Train for Godliness

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

In a story titled “Teenager Saves His Dad’s Life After He Collapses During Half Marathon” published last week, it was reported that Last month, father and son duo Rafael and Isaac Ruggieri were nearing the 8-mile mark of the 2024 Illinois Half Marathon when Rafael’s heart stopped beating and he collapsed onto the asphalt. “He went on his knees and then on his hands and then onto his face, and I thought he just passed out,” Isaac told WCCU/WICS News… Fortunately, 18-year-old Isaac had just completed a lifeguarding course the week before and was trained in CPR, so he immediately took action…  “I just did it. Because I was like, ‘All right, this is go-time. This is it: save your dad or he dies,’” he said to WCCU/WICS . “I was just relying on my training and just focused on helping him as much as possible. So, I wasn’t really thinking about my emotions or anything.” The father of five survived and is still recovering but told his local news station that he feels almost back to normal—all thanks to the life saving actions of his eldest son.

And you know, as this story clearly shows, at any moment you and I might be thrust into a situation where we will have to rely on our training to save someone from imminent death. Spiritually speaking, that means we must be ready—by reading and studying the Word diligently so that we will be trained for godliness—and “thoroughly equipped” to not only share the Good News at a moments notice, but to declare and defend the truths laid out in the Bible when necessary. Truths that have the power to restore and redeem those people lost in their sin and facing spiritual death. 

So while it’s always great to get out and get in a workout every day, we must put even more effort into training for godliness my friend. After all, “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that physical training is important so we can keep our temples in shape, but spiritual training is of utmost importance. Compel us to put in the work each and every day so we can be spiritually and physically ready to serve You at all times and in every way. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!