Train for Godliness

1 Timothy 4:7-8 instructs "...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."

Is it possible for students (middle school, high school, or otherwise) to train to be godly?  Do they have the desire to get serious about God?  What are students taught about God?  What does God look like?  What does Satan look like?  Does God get bumped off the schedule because He can always wait?  Is God as urgent as homework, violin practice, lacrosse practice, friends, television, etc?  I would argue what kids value and how they decide something is worthy of their time, talent, and effort is modeled in the home and the community. 

I listened to a person unequivocally state it takes six people to change a life... six.  I don't know where that number originated.  I always ask myself when statements are boldly presented as the truth... is that man's wisdom or God's wisdom?  I am not sure "six" isn't just the opinion of some author.  May I suggest the number has always been one.  I believe it takes one person to change a life.  One adult... just one godly obedient adult is needed to change a person's life.

How does a godly, obedient adult change a student's life?  Prayer is the vital ingredient because prayer produces a relationship with God.  The adult has to have the discipline to develop and sustain a consistent prayer life.  Nothing happens without discipline.  Nothing.  Not success, not winning, not good grades, and certainly not a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the one who saves children, not adults.  Adults can introduce Jesus to students.  Adults can pass on godly wisdom.  Adults can guide, discuss, encourage, and support the student... but it is always Jesus that saves a student. 

Discipline is an essential character trait of a godly person.  For the student to earn an "A" requires the commitment and the discipline to study.  A student perfectly performing "Il Trillo Di Diavolo" requires hours of disciplined practice.  How many hours of perfect practice were required?  How many people were present during those hours?  I will speculate most of his practice was solitary, with no audience.  The irony is that discipline creates joy.  The quicker the student understands this concept, the better their life.  This, this, and this are a direct result from discipline.  All of those people in the videos were disciplined, they were dedicated, they sacrificed to experience joy.  Discipline produces freedom and freedom produces joy. 

 

Again, without discipline, neither the adult nor the student can develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Without discipline, one can't sustain and strengthen that relationship.  Students have to know the discipline of spending time with God is worthy.  The Bible says nothing is more profitable.  

May God bless you.  Have a good and godly day.