1 Timothy 4:8, “For while bodily training is of some value in every way, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
I enjoy walking and taking in God’s creation, seeing the green leaves on the trees, squirrels, and birds along my walking path, the sunshine and blue sky, and our mountains along the horizon. I have a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day. But it takes consistent effort in helping me be physically fit. Similarly, one’s spiritual development, producing spiritual health, godliness, takes constant effort. It takes input of our time with the Lord, yet it has long-lasting benefits for today and forever – eternal, transforming benefits.
Paul’s parallel verse to 1 Timothy 4:8 is found in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.” A good self-examining question to ask oneself is, am I always content with what God has given me? What gives me great satisfaction? How often don’t I complain about irritations I encounter and difficult people that don’t share the same values that I hold dear to me? But faith in God’s presence, protection, and provision will sustain and lead us through circumstances that are out of our control. He has promised that (Psalm 23, Psalm 25:9).
The definition of godliness in the Bible, according to www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary, is the “reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one’s conduct. Godliness depends on knowing God’s revealed truth. Paul speaks of “the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” Titus 1:1.” That is my desire. To read the truth in God’s Word, know it, hide it in my heart and mind, and apply it in honoring God in my conduct. It says in Hebrews 3:2, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” I want to be a better display of the Lord’s presence since he is my rock, my redeemer, my fortress, my shield, my refuge, carrying me on to victory by spending time with Jesus Christ.
Being physically fit is important to our health. But the condition of our heart is a deeper need. The Message states 1 Timothy 4:8 this way, “Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.”
Listen to One of Those Days, Lord I’m lonely, I want to spend time with Jesus. From Joseph Cheetham-Wilkenson.