Where training in godliness starts

…train yourself in godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. (5:4)

I have a mother who is a widow, so these words especially resonated with me. Particularly since she’s going through depression right now.

I live far from her, so there’s not much I can do, but I do keep in touch with her, talking with, praying with, and praying for her. That said, in these times, it’s tough to follow Paul’s words and serve my mom. I truly need God’s grace.

And yet, this is part of my training in godliness.

But Paul’s words are not only for me or others who have mothers who are widows. They’re for all of us.

Practicing godliness starts with our family. We can’t simply practice our godliness at church or at our workplace.

We need to practice it at home with our parents, our siblings, our spouses, our children.

And when we do, it pleases our Father.

But it can be tough at home. Especially at the end of a long day when we’re tired. Particularly when our families start getting our nerves.

But if we want to truly be like our Father who loves us, it starts at home.

Father, I want to be like you. Help me to practice godliness with my mother. With my wife. With my daughter.

I want to please you each day by how I treat them. In Jesus’ name, amen.