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Spiritual Disciplines
by A.J. Wilson

“But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Often exercise and hard work are foreign words to many of us; because it is much easier, and enjoyable, to eat a bowl of ice cream or a slice of peanut butter pie.  It is difficult to discipline ourselves to avoid luscious desserts, and work on those problem areas of our body which we are not happy with.  Doesn’t this carry over into other parts of our lives?  Why would we want to practice the fundamentals of basketball or piano, over and over until it is mastered; when it is not working now?  Why should we continue to read the mounds of books which seem to just remind us how much we don’t know?  Why would we read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word if we’re already saved?

We push ourselves into pain, boredom, frustration, and self-denial because we have a goal in mind.  We can diet and exercise bodily in order to fit into that pair of jeans, or a swim suit.  We will practice for hours because that is what it takes to become a virtuoso, or great player.  We will study so that we can become professionals to assist others in their time of need.  We can put many hours into working a crop, because we know what the harvest can be.

What is your goal as a Christian?  Are you striving for godliness?  Paul told us in Philippians 3 that he had forgotten about the past (failures, heartaches, physical problems) and pressed on toward his goal.  Paul did not just ‘do the best he could,’ he worked at being the best Christian he could be.  Today this includes Bible reading and meditation, scripture memorization, prayer, fasting, serving, worship, and stewardship just as it did in Paul’s day.  Each of these actions includes an element of self-denial, and of focus on God.  Our time can be a good indicator of our priorities and goals.  If we blocked out your discretionary time, how much of it would pursue righteousness, and how much of it promotes worldliness?  The past is already recorded, but the future is a brand new day, lay out some new disciplines before you in order to pursue godliness in your life.

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