In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul told Timothy, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  If Paul saw fit to encourage Timothy with such a reminder, we certainly would do well to pay attention too! When it comes to growth in our own spiritual lives, many Christians sit around for years waiting for God to just magically touch them.  That’s not what the Bible teaches.

Here’s what Jerry Bridges has to say on the Christian’s progress in godliness:

“We Christians may be very disciplined and industrious in our business, our studies, our home, or even our ministry but we tend to be lazy when it comes to exercise in our own spiritual lives.  We would much rather pray, “Lord, make me godly,” and expect Him to “pour” some godliness into our souls in some mysterious way.  God does in fact work in a mysterious way to make us godly, but He does not do this apart from the fulfillment of our own personal responsibility.  We are to train ourselves to be godly.”

May God give us the grace to not take for granted this matter of godliness.  Rather, let us pursue it will all of our hearts.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

If you are interested in learning more about how to grow in Christian character consider “The Practice of Godliness” by Jerry Bridges.