Training in Godliness

1 Timothy 4:8 NIV:
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.

I'm wondering why the Bible equates physical training with Godliness. Can we find a point of convergence for both? How does being Godly help my life and what gain comes with physical training?

I believe that Godliness is a daily practice. No man wakes up one morning and suddenly becomes Godly. Godliness is the sum of all the little daily decisions you make for God daily. When you are tempted to lie and take the easy way out, but you stand for the truth no matter what, then you are training for Godliness. When compromise and mediocrity is the easier option for others, but you have Godly principles you live by and uphold, then you are training yourself for Godliness.

The world's standards are always changing. What was sacred a few decades ago has become despised a few years after. God's standards are not like that at all. The same standards of faith that God held Abraham to is the same he is demanding of us today. God doesn't change like shifting shadows and his children who would lay claim to their relationship with Him must prove their allegiance through the quality of their lives.

You can only train for a while or for a few years. The body cannot withstand the same pressure for sixty years. You just must give yourself a break sometimes. Not so with Godliness. It is a life-long regimen, a constant life-demand. Physical training only does your body good to an extent; Godliness has eternal consequences.

Focus on the right priorities today. God's nature is our ultimate aspiration and as we walk in his nature, we seal our eternal redemption. Live right; live holy; live Godly; his time of favour is here.