training in godliness

Good morning friends,
Today's reading is another piece of advice for Timothy, a young leader in the church whom Paul mentored. I really value the tenderness and encouragement. This is great support for a leader working hard in a community of faith. Two things Paul lifts up are the importance of training in godliness. Our faith is something we have to practice and work at. It doesn't just happen. Any work we do to become more faithful is more than worth the time we put into it. He also emphasizes the importance of scripture, both because it is part of the training in godliness and because he encourages Timothy to read scripture publicly as an important part of his ministry. That's a good reminder for our daily lives as well.

Blessings on your journey today,
Sam

1 Timothy 4:6-16

6 If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. ⁷Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, ⁸for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. ¹⁰For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 These are the things you must insist on and teach. ¹²Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.