Last thursday, when I was on my way to meet my bible study leader for our regular bible study, a random thought suddenly came into my mind.
I don’t know what triggered that thought but while I was inside the MRT, I suddenly blurted out to God (only in my mind, of course!) that if faith through my personal relationship with Christ is the only thing that matters, then why do I need to keep doing all the things that He wants me to do (i.e. sharing the gospel, doing my quiet time, attending worship service, serving and loving others)?
God answered me in an instant when He impressed to me these words: practice spiritual discipline for the purpose of godliness.
As if God really wants this point to become very clear to me, the main text for our bible study that night was surprisingly 1 Timothy 4. I know God has spoken to me directly through these following verses:
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (v.7-8, 15;16)
Though I’ve already read this before, and I’ve learned that godliness has both present and eternal value, it was only this time that I realized that the eternal value of godliness is far more important. It was also only this time that I learned that the practice of spiritual discipline for the purpose of godliness has benefits not only to me but also to the people around me who are watching how I walk closely with God. Therefore, I need to pursue godliness more and more because my life could be the only means that God will use to save other people.
Then yesterday, while I was walking on my way to our office meditating on these new insights that God has revealed to me, I was reminded of the truth about eternal life I learned last year. My life here on earth is just a training ground
for my life in heaven. This life is just a preparation of my life in eternity so to prepare for eternity is to start practicing spiritual discipline now. As what I’ve learned from the author of the book I’ve read last year, worship is the main business in heaven. If I will not learn how to enjoy a life of worship here on earth now, then heaven will be a very boring place for me.
So starting today, I’m renewing my commitment to train myself to be godly. Please pray for me too that I will be able to appropriate God’s grace as I fulfill this commitment.
No Ordinary Day 
Thank you for sharing, Cary. Let’s pursue God and His ways indeed. Praying for you, Sis. 🙂
Praise God!