Apostle Paul compared physical training with training in godliness. He said that “physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”. (1Tim 4:8)
Physical training is only for the present life, while godliness is valuable for now and forever. Physical training equips an individual to run in a running race, while training in godliness equips us to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) in this life. In addition, training in godliness is valuable for eternity which we often do not realize.
A Rule of Life is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that train us in godliness. It is not a form of legalism that is a set of rules to make ourselves acceptable before God or impress others. Instead, it establishes a rhythm for life that provides us to be transformed by the Spirit to the image of the Son of God. We can build spiritual disciplines and practices until it becomes second nature. Every believer has a different rule of life. The core is Bible meditation, prayer, and church life.
We exercise ourselves in godliness by keeping the crown and the prize clear in view. We run the race of life by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and seeing in Him, not only the Rewarder but the Reward Himself. Until we reach the time to say like Paul said “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness”.