Rather 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.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

The College Football Championship is scheduled and the teams are in place and the professional teams have now made it through “Wildcard” weekend on its way to the Super Bowl.

Landry understood that football players wanted to win games, but most found the concept of practice and dull routines to be nothing more than drudgery. Instead, the coach focused their attention on the training as the necessary means to their desired end.

Paul was committed to a disciplined life and he encouraged his protégé, Timothy, to train in the same manner. Specifically, he was referring to his commitment to spiritual maturity, so while he acknowledged the value of physical exercise, Paul stressed the importance of practicing what are referred to as spiritual disciplines.

Paul saw the type of man he “always wanted to be” and then pursued the kinds of practices that would lead him in the right direction.

It has been said that “nothing was ever achieved without discipline, and many an athlete and many a man has been ruined because he abandoned discipline” and lived a life with no direction.

So, let’s consider what it means to train ourselves for something that will matter today and for our future.