Bible Reading: Leviticus 19; Psalms 23-24; Ecclesiastes 2; 1 Timothy 4
1 Timothy 4:7-9 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
As Paul was encouraging Timothy in the ministry, he informed him not to get sidetracked with fables. There are many things that can sidetrack us in our Christian lives. Many people get sidetracked with work and forget about serving the Lord. Sometimes we get so caught up studying some pet doctrine that we forget that we are to be soul-winners. But Paul tells Timothy to exercise himself to godliness. He contrasts this with bodily exercise. Talk about something that can sidetrack you! Our culture is so influenced by the Greeks that many now worship their bodies. Go into a book store and notice how many books there are on workouts! But the Bible here tells us that bodily exercise profits a little. In other words, it's OK to work out and exercise, but it is of little profit when compared to the GREAT profit of exercising yourself to godliness.
When you exercise bodily, you discipline yourself to challenge your muscles, bones, circulatory and respiratory systems to become as efficient as they can. You regularly place your body in a situation where it has to push hard to keep up. This gets rid of flabby fat and increases stamina. People literally go to medical school to better understand the fact that you should regularly get out and walk, run, jump, lift heavy stuff and bend over!
When was the last time that you put yourself though a disciplined and rigorous plan to increase godliness? What is your plan for spiritual growth? The Bible says godliness is profitable unto ALL THINGS! If you grow in godliness, you will notice a difference in your marriage, your parenting, your work, your play, your relationships with others and your relationship with God. It promises benefit in this life and the life that is to come. Are you spiritually flabby?
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
How do you exercise yourself unto godliness? Here is a workout routine for you to consider:
- A daily quiet time of Bible reading and prayer.
- A constant filling up of your personal trainer, the Holy Spirit.
- A weekly well-balanced diet of preaching intake from a Bible preaching pastor/teacher.
- A rigorous heavy weight-lifting study of the Bible digging in deep.
- A weekly vigorous walk through the neighborhood sharing the gospel with others.
- Plenty of rest in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30)
In Christ,
Rody
