7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8for 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. 9The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:7-10

So you’re young and strong. What to do with your time and strength? Just hit the gym and the books? No. Paul encourages Timothy not to miss the opportunity his youth provides to train himself for godliness.

Godliness is strength of character. Its becoming like God as revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Character has been described as hardened habits. Habits are formed by repeated little decisions.

Godliness is the capacity to speak the language of truth and grace. Godliness is the capacity to be who God intends you to be with Him and in community. Godliness has its wisdom. Godliness lasts. It has value for today and for the future. Godliness forms because of our hope for life and reality is set on the living God. Jesus the King positions our hope so that Life and how we live today as His Church really does matter… forever.

How to training yourself for godliness?

On your own:
Stick close to Jesus. Access His grace over and over through repentance and belief. Make decisions in response to Him and His Gospel. Bear up under the struggle and temptations heightened through your adjustments to obey Him trusting that He is still shaping you. Dive deep into the Gospel immersing yourself into the communion of God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Together with the church:
Celebrate God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Exercise your gifts. Develop responsive intentionality as a disciple-maker. Serve sacrificially. Live the “one-anothers.” Bear up under the struggle to keep maturing in Christ emotionally, mentally, and socially without losing hope. To lose this hope in Christ, who shows us the mystery of godliness, is to lose our way; its to slide into the ditches of legalism or license. So, become fluent in the Gospel of God’s grace. Love.