New Year’s Training | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for December 31

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. 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 saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. – 1 Timothy 4:7-10 ESV

1 Timothy was written after the apostle Paul sent Timothy, his “son in the faith,” to the city of Ephesus to lead a church there. Paul wanted Timothy to establish leaders and teach the people what it meant to be a Christian. This letter is Paul’s encouragement to him, and it can be an encouragement to us as we prepare for a new year! 

In today’s passage, Paul tells Timothy to train himself for godliness. Paul acknowledges that physical training has some value, but spiritual training—or godliness—has eternal value! So, if you want to shed a few pounds in the new year, go for it! But let your spiritual fitness be the highest priority! Godliness is that quality of being devoted and faithful to the Lord. And it requires our attention. There are obstacles that stand in the way—distractions, ‘silly myths’, worldly desires. 

Commit on this last day of the year to train yourself for godliness in the new year. Make a plan for your day tomorrow. How can you start off on the right foot? What ‘exercises’ can you incorporate into your daily routine? Here are a few ideas. Begin your day with Scripture and prayer. This means having a plan for what you will read (or listen to) in Scripture. Maybe it’s a daily devotional like this one! Maybe you’ll supplement this podcast by reading through a book of the Bible. The important thing is to be challenged by God’s Word consistently. And set aside a period of time for prayer. Certainly, talk to God, but include silence and quietness before the Lord, listening. And perhaps consider some accountability in the new year—what friend, family member, or coworker can walk alongside you and encourage you in your training? This is what I call ‘cross-training’.