Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7
The world wide web is the perfect place to get information of any kind: from recipes to weather, from how to fix a car to making a quilt, from medical information to psychoanalysis. We can even learn techniques for raising children or finding a spouse. Sometimes the information is good, but sometimes the information is very bad.
I have received stories that are incredible and have passed them on to other people, only to find out that the story was completely false. I would feel duped and rather stupid for passing on a myth. Now I have learned to check out the information to see if it is credible or not. It takes a little effort and determination, but the time is well spent when I have held my tongue to spread a falsehood.
In 1 Timothy 4:7, we are told to place our efforts and determination into training ourselves in godliness. One way we can train in godliness is by being careful not to read, listen, or pass onto others profane myths and old wives’ tales. 1 Timothy 4:8 goes on to say, “While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
We commit ourselves in physical training, and this is a good thing. We commit ourselves to learning new things each day, and it is good to stretch our minds. We commit to many earthly things, yet if we would be as determined with our spiritual growth as we are with these other things, we would be gaining not only earthly value but eternal value.
We need to show determination by reading The Word instead of gossip columns. We need to show determination by our supplication for wisdom in our prayers instead of relying on horoscopes. We need to show determination by keeping our eyes focused on Jesus, The Bright Morning Star, instead of focusing on the movie stars. We need to show determination by placing our hand in the nail scarred palm of Jesus instead of a palm reader. We need to show determination by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ instead of passing on rumors, myths, and false stories.
Each day we need to ask this question, “Am I determined to follow Christ in all I do, in all I say, and in every way?” If I take time to train in godliness each day, these spiritual qualities will help me through the difficult times here on earth and will bring rewards when I step out into eternity.
Dear Father, Instill in my heart a daily determination to grow in Christ. Amen
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