February 7, 2025

DO THE RIGHT THING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

1 Timothy 4:7-10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Let’s talk about self-control and discipline. Paul tells us to “train yourself to be godly.” He says that physical training is good but training for godliness is much better.

Everyone knows that we need physical exercise if we want to have a healthy body. Knowing that and doing something about that is not the same thing. A lot of people know they need to exercise but they never go for a walk or visit a gym. 

In the same way, most of us know we need self-control to live the life God has called us to. Paul even says, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle.” Paul was a veteran missionary at this time. He had a very incredible salvation experience complete with a voice from heaven and a blinding light. Yet he still had to “work hard” and “struggle” to achieve the godliness needed.

Some people seem to think that being a follower of Christ is just saying a prayer or filling out a card at an altar. But that is just the beginning of the race. We must be willing to put in the work to develop the character of Christ in our lives. 

After over 60 years following Jesus, I’m still learning I must make decisions regularly to reject some things to see the character of Christ developed in me. I must still say “no” to my flesh to be the person God wants me to be.

With time we develop habits that make it easier—but it never becomes automatic. Just about the time I think I’ve got it made Satan comes up with another trick to try and distract me. He is good at finding my weak moment to plant a thought or attitude that is out of line with God’s will for my life. 

In my physical training I can never stop getting my cardio, weight training, and stretching in. There will never be a day where I can say, “I’ve now exercised enough. I can just take it easy the rest of my life.” 

It is the same way in my spiritual training. I can never decide, “I’ve read my Bible enough. I’ve prayed enough. I’ve attended worship service enough.” 

Becoming like Christ is a daily decision to do the right things over and over and over again. Each day I am making decisions that lead to a shift in who I am becoming. 

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit help me to be faithful in becoming the person You created me to be. Show me the steps I need to do every day to become like Jesus. 

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”