Growing in Grace

Have you been watching the World Cup? These accomplished athletes make their sport look easy—at least most of the time. But anyone who has tried to improve in a sport knows there is nothing easy about reaching that level of skill and athleticism. What looks effortless on the field is the result of years of disciplined training.

In much the same way, some people make living a godly life look easy. They seem to love God, rejoice in Him, and do what is right almost effortlessly. But the Bible is clear that growing in godliness requires intentional, persistent effort. Paul wrote, “Train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word translated “train” is the Greek word gymnazō, from which we get words such as “gymnasium” and “gymnastics.” It means to train or exercise through disciplined practice. That certainly does not sound effortless.

Of course, Paul is not primarily promoting physical exercise. He continues, “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” (1 Timothy 4:8). Nevertheless, the parallel between physical and spiritual training is unmistakable.

To grow in godliness, we must intentionally and persistently develop godly habits, and renew our patterns of thinking according to God’s Word. This is how we are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ. The writer of Hebrews describes mature believers as “those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

So keep at it. Give yourself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of godliness—but do so in humble dependence upon God. We work, but we do not work alone. God is at work within us, bringing about our sanctification and supplying what we need to grow. As Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us, we are to work out our salvation because “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Growing in grace is not easy, but it is worth the effort. Train yourself for godliness, trusting that God will faithfully carry forward the work He has begun in you.