"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." The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that godlines requires training in the same way that one would train the body for a competitive sport. With godliness training a person receives eternal benefits--eternal life--while physical training only benefits a person in the present life. However, godliness training like physical training is rigorous and requires exercise and practice:
"For to this end we toil and strive and suffer reproach" (vs. 10). So let us undertake the development of godliness in our lives with the same discipline that an athlete undertakes physical training.
