Bible Reading: 2 Kings 7; 1 Timothy 4; Daniel 11; Psalm 119:25-48
1 Timothy 4:7-8 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 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.
There is a lot of ‘advice’ out there! There are a lot of voices telling you how to live and find purpose in life. Think of American’s problems with being overweight for a moment. There are literally thousands of books in the bookstores on different diets and workout routines. Go into a ‘Christian’ bookstore (I put quotes around it because many of the books are not Christian!) and look at all the books on diet and workouts! It seems that many have lost the focus of the New Testament! Matter of fact we have a direct teaching on this subject in 1 Timothy!
Physical exercise has profit, but it is very small. Godliness is the area of life that we should put all of our emphasis! Please notice the comparison used here by the apostle. He compares working out in a gymnasium to exercising yourself to godliness. Physical exercise will improve your life here and now, but godliness will last for eternity. How many people count calories and watch what they eat, but don’t have a well balanced diet of the Word of God? How many people get out and walk or run three days a week but only gather together with the church once or twice a month? Do you spend some time stretching early in the morning but neglect a time of prayer with the Father?
Maybe golf is your thing and you get out on the course several times a week. The walking and physical exercise is good for you, right? But what about spending time with your family in the Word of God? Do you exercise yourself in that practice? You might be the first one to spend time talking with someone who is struggling with weight issues about eating right and getting active - after all this will save a person’s life, or at least extend it. But would you spend the time to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ who died and was raised again so that they could have eternal life?
Where is your emphasis? I am not saying that eating right and getting active aren’t good things to do. The Bible places a huge emphasis on godliness and a tiny emphasis on physical exercise. Believers should do the same. By the way, most of those diets and exercise routines are nothing more than old wives tales! Place your emphasis where God places his emphasis!
In Christ,
Rody
