"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." -1 Timothy 4:8
I just finished talking to a friend of mine who was headed home from the gym. He sounded WAY more awake than I, and there was an excitement in his voice. There are few better ways to start a morning than by working out or running or doing some kind of exercise. It rejuvenates the mind and soul and seems to kick-start your engine for the day. It seems like you have a better outlook for the whole day when you start it the right way.
The same holds true for our personal relationship with Christ. Timothy compares godliness to training or working out. In fact, in the verse prior (4:7) he says plainly, "Train yourself to be godly" (NIV).
I think the NASB probably captures the heart of the issue best: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." We are preparing ourselves for the sanctifying work of God (which is godliness) by disciplining ourselves. In other words, we become disciplined... God makes us godly.
Some of us might be tempted to ignore either the personal discipline or the God-empowered sanctification side of things. My tendency is to think that godliness is mostly an act of the will, as if I could attain it if I were to just rise a little earlier every morning and read a few extra Bible verses, watch a little less TV, or talk a little less smack on the soccer field. :)
Others may struggle with thinking that attaining godliness is entirely the work of God and that man has no responsibility in the matter. This would be an unfortunate error as well.
Timothy says, "Train!" Work hard, and add an extra five pounds to the bench press every once in a while. Grow deeper, seek harder, and listen more intently. Find the truths of the Word of God to be more convicting and more encouraging each day.
From a practical standpoint, I truly would encourage everyone to seek the Lord, when possible, early on in your day. I know that we're not all moring people, and I don't believe that the Scriptures command a certain time of day to be invested in devotional time. But, speaking from personal experience, it is always better for me to give God the "first fruits" of my day. It is always better for me to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first each day, before the distractions of the flesh and the world begin to draw me in.
There is a certain measureable difference in my day when I devote the first part of it to the Lord. Perhaps you would find the same to be true in your life. It's a lot like my friend that I talked to this morning who sounded more awake and ready to take on the challenges of the day than I. There's nothing like a little spiritual exercise to get started on the right foot.
In Christ,
Andy
