Exercise and Godliness

"But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."

1 Timothy 4:7-8

The past decades have brought new awareness to the importance of physical exercise for optimal health.  From the leg-warmer Jazzercise look of the 80's to the modern gym membership or fitness camps with participants sweating through circuits in a park, many have embraced physical exercise.  For some exercise is a craze, but it is here to stay.  The fact Paul said exercise of our bodies is profitable almost 2,000 years ago is proof gymnasium junkies are not going anywhere.

What I find intriguing about the passage written to Timothy is the admonition to "exercise yourself toward godliness."  Physical exercise, while beneficial for the body, has its limits.  Whether you run, lift weights, or play competitive sports, all physical gains are temporary.  It isn't long after exercise before muscles begin to atrophy and unwanted kilos begin to pile on.  Physical fitness is harder to maintain as our bodies grow older.  A day will come when we cannot physically do (for any amount of time without severe or chronic injury) the things we once did.  Ultimately our bodies, fit or not, will breathe their last and our lives on earth will end.  A lifestyle which includes quality exercise may add a few years to our lives, but all benefits fought for are trumped by death.

See what Paul says about exercising ourselves toward godliness:  "godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."  Walking according to God's will brings lasting benefits on earth and for all eternity.  Exercising ourselves towards godliness, which is the intentional practice of godliness in our lives practically, will enable us to live an abundant life now as well as providing eternal rewards.  Speaking for myself, I grow weary of the limited and temporary gains of physical exercise.  How much better it is to personally invest my efforts into what will endure forever, not to mention that it is profitable for all things today.  Choosing to live a life which honours Christ positively affects all areas of our lives.  Having fellowship with God and knowing Him is better than having all the riches of the world.

Jesus said in John 10:9-10, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  Jesus offers an abundant life today for all who trust and follow Him, a life of plenty and salvation.  We must first be born again through faith in Jesus, and then as a sheep of the Good Shepherd He will ensure all our needs in this life and the next are met.  If we give heed to "profane and old wives' fables" or useless debates instead feeding on God's Word and obeying it, we deny ourselves the blessings God has granted us.  A lack of fitness limits what we can physically do, and a lack of spiritual fitness hinders our ability for us to freely and faithfully serve our LORD.  Therefore let us exercise ourselves towards godliness, for this is the will of our Saviour, our Good Shepherd who leads us into green pastures.

Stretch those legs, people!  Enjoy time with Jesus today and follow His example.