The Value Of Godliness

1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9

“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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”

1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Godliness can get a bad name sometimes. We can often think that being Godly means that we don’t get to have any more fun. We imagine our nights full of reading the Bible and saying no to every fun thing our friends or family ask us to do. God doesn’t ask us to hate life.

In this verse, He just tells us that Godliness is better. Living for God brings benefits in your life now and in your life to come. God wants to bring good things into your life. He wants you blessed, successful and promoted at everything you do.

In this verse , physical exercise is in no way being condemned because we are reminded in scripture that it is the Lords Will that we prosper with good health also as our soul prospers. Taking care of our bodies is a necessity for good health. Eating the right foods and exercise does help maintain good health.

The call in this text is priority. Labor not for that which is temporary. In other words do not put all our energy and effort in getting physically fit and neglect the importance and necessity of exercise for our soul through prayer, bible study, worship, evangelism, praise and honor to God the Father.

Both physical and spiritual exercise are important to maintaining good health for the body and soul, but we can not put more effort in our physical health and wellness and lack the greatest necessity of exercise of the soul for spiritual health and wellness. The difference in the body and soul is the fact that the body is short lived and the soul lives forever.

We are reminded in this text that bodily exercise does benefit us to some degree, but it does not stop death of the body, regardless of how many years we live. Paul is not denouncing exercise. To the contrary, exercise will improve us physically and mentally. It can improve our attitude and performance as a Christian. It must, however, be kept in its proper place. If we are going to be fanatical about anything, let it be our service to God as Christians.

So today, if you’re on the fence about living for God, be encouraged. God has good things for you. He’s not trying to keep you from fun but rather wants to bring you benefits and blessings that you’ve never imagined. Stay close to God, follow after Him and you’ll experience blessings in this life and the one to come!!!

Father thank You for this day and for the life sustaining Word that You train us with. Lord open the floodgates of heaven and rain down Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord we pray that You would help us to get this right, help us to train bodily, physically like there is value there. Lord help us not to ignore the care of our bodies and help us not to idolize the care of our bodies. Lord we pray that You would help us to train for Godliness like it’s infinitely valuable, that You would make us more and more and more like You. Lord train my friend and I as disciple-makers who are training others, teaching others to obey you, who are sharing the gospel, the good news of your grace with others, and helping them come to know you and then walk with You.

Father, we love You. Amen !