"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8
It’s 5:30 AM. I am awake, so why not get up? Rats! It’s raining already. Guess I won’t be walking this morning. Oh well, I can dance in the basement to my WOF tunes or make up a low impact aerobic routine that won’t wake the rest of the household. I pull on my socks and sneakers and attach my pedometer to the waistband of my sweatpants. My day has begun.
I am pretty faithful to my 30 minutes of exercise a day. My mom has experienced some heart problems over the years so my hope is that exercising will stave off any potential tendencies toward heart disease that I may have inherited. Call me OCD, but I always feel a bit discombobulated if my exercise routine is disturbed or if stuff comes up and I am forced to miss a day or two in a row.
Paul would probably say I do a good job of staying physically fit for this life. But what would he think of my spiritual fitness routine? Am I as dedicated to my devotional workout—to praying, to quietly listening, to reading, meditating on, and studying God’s Word, to fellowshipping with my Christian family? Though ashamed to admit it, I am not as disciplined spiritually. And yet, Paul says that spiritual exercise is much better than physical exercise, because it yields benefits both for today and for eternity.
What are the benefits of training for godliness?
- We are better prepared to meet whatever the day brings.
- We develop greater sensitivity to God’s Spirit within us.
- We experience peace in the midst of turmoil.
- We gain consistency in our Christian walk.
- We build integrity.
- We become more adept at applying God’s Word.
- We get to know God better.
- We enjoy God’s friendship more.
- Our love for others increases.
The list goes on and on. What benefits of training for godliness have you experienced? I would love it if you shared them in the comments section.
Many blessings as you build up your spiritual muscles!
Pam
