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Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives\u2019 tales;\xa0rather, train yourself to be godly.\xa0For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,\xa0holding promise for both the present life\xa0and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Instant gratification is both a societal problem and a spiritual problem.\xa0 We want what we want when we want it.\xa0 In our relationships, material possessions, solutions to our problems, and even our spirituality.\xa0 We want a quick fix.\xa0 We also often find ourselves in a place of busyness\u2014whether through \u201cmake-busy\u201d activities such as social media habits, or through work, volunteering or any other number of things in our lives that we remain focused on.\xa0 The problem is that often these busy places keep us from doing what we could be doing instead.\xa0 Like training in godliness.

Godliness involves a devotion to a Godward focus in our lives and seeking to do that which is pleasing to Him.\xa0 But being godly is not a natural inclination of the human heart.\xa0 \u201cFor I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.\xa0For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.\xa0For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do\u2014this I keep on doing.\u201d (Romans 7:18-19).\xa0 Paul tells Timothy to train himself to be godly.\xa0 It takes dedication.\xa0 And it means letting go of those things in our lives that would hinder that training.

There are many things of value in this life.\xa0 One such thing is physical activity.\xa0 Sports and physical fitness tones and strengthens our body, improves circulation and strengthens our heart. These are all good things.\xa0 But they are not lasting things.\xa0 These are only valuable as long as we continue to live in this tent of the flesh in this world.\xa0 But training in godliness is unlike physical training. \xa0Godliness trains not only our body, but our spirit as well. \xa0This type of training lasts into eternity.\xa0 Even when our earthly body is no more, our spirit will live on.

Over the coming weeks I am going to be walking through practices of spiritual disciplines. \xa0Training in godliness. The spiritual disciplines aren\u2019t some rigid form of religious piety.\xa0 If we view them as such they will likely have little effect on our lives as a whole because a life that is pleasing to God does not involve a series of religious duties, but rather an intimate and abiding relationship with God.\xa0 Joy is a focus of the disciplines and a liberty from slavery to fear and self-interest.

Spiritual disciplines are not only for those who we expect to lead more godly lives\u2014pastors, church leadership or the prayer warrior in the church. The disciplines are within the reach of any believer, new or seasoned. \xa0They allow us to be learning and growing up into a deeper relationship with God our whole lives through. Thomas Merton says \u201cWe do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life!\u201d\xa0

The disciplines are not difficult and in fact are best practiced by everyday people who go to work and school, who care for children, wash dishes and mow their lawns.\xa0 Disciplines are best practiced in the context of our relationships and our day to day lives.

All that is required is a longing for God and the things of God. A longing to live a godly life that pleases God. \xa0As we choose to make good decisions in our lives and to do that which pleases God instead of pleasing our own sinful nature and selfish inclinations, we will also develop a more intimate knowledge of and relationship with Christ.\xa0 As we continue training in godliness we will live more and more in obedience to the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.