Are You Training for Godliness? - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - May 28, 2025
"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Our culture is obsessed with our bodies. From diet pills to fad exercises and nutrition experts, we're promised slimmer figures, abundant energy, and endlessly glowing skin. How am I so sure? Just look at social media, television shows, or your local city events. We see "keto diets," "five tips to a six-pack in six weeks," and "yoga with puppies" on every street corner.
While God does desire us to take care of our physical bodies, we're also called to prioritize godliness—deep spiritual wisdom that grows and matures over time. Just like muscles that strengthen and adapt after exercise, so our souls should continually look more like Jesus as we pursue training for godliness.
When the Apostle Paul wrote the book of 1 Timothy, physical training was also at an all-time high. Olympic-like sports were all the rage, and his culture knew the immense value in toning muscles, shredding fat, and strengthening what remained. And yet, he encouraged them (and us) to recognize two things:
1. Physical training is important!
2. Training for godliness is better.
This is where our world often gets things a little messed up. Don't get me wrong, physical health is crucial to our overall well-being. I love working out, eating right, and keeping my physique toned. We're called to care for our bodies well because they represent Christ. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 notes, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies" (NIV).
But, training for godliness is even better. Godliness is something that won't fade with age but promises benefits of eternal value. Godliness helps us while we're here on earth, but it also brings merit to the life to come.
This week, my challenge to you is to combine the beauty of physical training with training for godliness. To emphasize your soul workouts as much as your time at the gym, or that Pilates and Barre class every Tuesday at 6. What does this look like practically? Here are some ideas to get you started:
-Pray before your workout. Ask God to strengthen not just your body, but your heart, mind, and soul.
-Listen to worship music while you work out. Thank God for the ability to grow and strengthen your entire body.
-Find a Christian workout class and invite friends to come with you! In my town, I've found a "Grace Flow Christian Yoga Class." I love it because it combines stretching your body while listening to worship music and hearing Scripture.
-Go on a nature walk. Ask God to speak to you and open your eyes to His creation as you breathe in the air of the world around you.
-Study what it was like to live during Biblical times. Research how people like the Apostles stayed healthy, the exercise routines they followed, and the nutrition plans they adopted.
-Prioritize reading the Word of God before you check your phone or begin your day.
-Prioritize getting physical exercise 3-5 times a week in a way that brings joy to your heart, soul, and mind. This will look different for everyone, but for me, I love dancing. Because my husband and I run an adult dance ministry company, we get to combine bringing glory to God with a physical passion we enjoy.
What's one way you can combine your physical workout with a spiritual discipline this week? Feel free to choose one of the ideas above, or come up with your own. Then, challenge a friend or family member to join you.
Remember, we're living to bring glory to God here on earth and in Heaven. Why not do that with everything we are? Body, mind, and soul included!
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus, in a world that is obsessed with how we look, remind us that while caring for our physical bodies is important, tending to the godliness of our souls is of even greater value. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, physical training is good. Help us take care of our bodies well. But also show us how to care for the godliness of our souls, even better. Give us an eternal and holistic view of health, and help us to care for our whole selves well. We thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Getty/Sportpoint
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
