In his letter to Timothy, Paul is full of instruction and advice about what a new Christian community needs to function smoothly and fruitfully. Like all communities, Timothy’s church had growing pains and challenges. And some of Paul’s practical advice is true for us today.

What might it mean for us to “train ourselves in godliness?” The Message rendering of the Bible says, “Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.”

These days, we see health clubs and exercise studios on every corner. We all know that physical exercise is integral for a healthy life. But are we spiritually flabby? A physical exercise regime includes elements such as good shoes or equipment, stretching, cardiovascular work, and strength training. What might the equivalent be for our godliness training? The answer probably lies in the classic spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, worship, and giving. These practices help to strengthen and empower us for God’s work—in other words, to reduce “spiritual flabbiness”!