Monday the 2nd

1 Timothy 4: ⁷Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸For 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.

 

I go to the gym 3 – 5 times a week. I play tennis, enjoy swimming, and will go out on runs, or walks with my wife. If I do say so myself I am in pretty good shape for a guy turning 40. Today’s world is big on being healthy, go to the gym, watch what you eat, monitor your food for what chemicals are in them, buy this or that, and you will be in shape in no time. Go big or go home, no pain no gain, pain is weakness leaving the body….whatever the angle, whatever the slogan, physical training is important to be healthy. Paul brings up a good point here, physical training was important back in his day as well, we know the Olympics were around for a couple of hundred years before Christ was born, so being fit was looked upon favorably back then just as it is today…well ok, maybe we have taken it a little overboard! None the less, the point Paul is making still holds true today. If physical training has some value, how much more value is held in training our faith? We spend a lot of time and money trying to get healthy, how much time is spent on trying to get godly? If being fit physically helps you here on earth, how much more will you benefit from training yourself in the Word of God, that is a fitness program that will last an eternity. Here is the best thing about it, there is little more needed than a bible….I bet you have one of those sitting around your house, I know there is one at your fingertips at work everyday at www.biblegateway.com . (I don’t know of any IT guy that will block that site) Still I know what you are thinking, I just do not have time to read the bible, there is just not enough time in the day. It is the same excuse that many use for any physical activity…just don’t have the time……I beg to differ. Unlike physical training, 5 or 10 min. to start really does make a difference when it comes to Spiritual pursuit. I know we all have 5 or 10 min here or there. Put a bible on your desk, break it open and read a chapter when you need a break. I can promise you it is more rewarding that junk / chain mail you are about to read, or the gossip you are about to spread! Oh I know….you find it hard to read the bible, it is hard to understand. Go get a version, or select a version on line that is easier to read, the new century version reads like a book. You would be surprised to find just how easy of a read it can be. Find the version that works for you. One of the most important things you can do to train yourself to be godly is to read the Word of God. It is the starting point on the path. With out it is like trying to assemble anything without directions! (I try that every now and then, and it does not work!) When we spend time in the bible, we spend time with God, it is the time that God needs to speak to your heart, to give you a sense of direction. Give Him that time. Start off with just a few spare moments (yes you do have them) and see where it takes you. If you want to grow in your faith, if you want to become a healthy, fit, on a Spiritual level, it all starts with doing bible curls. Your body might be in great shape, but you will only take it to the grave. The question is how fit is your soul?

 

God Bless,

Brian