I started a basic regiment of weight training a couple of days ago, and I'm feeling the pain as I write these words. Muscle groups long neglected are loudly protesting this abrupt disruption of complacency. But, as the saying goes, "no pain, no gain." And yet, in the grand scheme of things, there is marginal gain from the pain.
"discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
It's a matter of good stewardship to keep our bodies in reasonably good shape through exercise, proper nutrition, and rest, but, let's face facts: it's ultimately a losing battle. None of us need to be reminded that we have bodies that are in the process of degeneration. Try as we might to preserve youth and vigor, we will not succeed. The painful truth is, "our outer man is decaying" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Fortunately, "our inner man is being renewed day by day." That's the promise of godliness.
So, not to downplay attention to bodily discipline, it makes sense for more reasons than one to focus on training in godliness. As Paul says, "it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Physical fitness will reap temporary rewards; spiritual fitness is beneficial now as well as in the age to come.
Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Spiritual fitness doesn't magically develop any more than physical fitness results from good intentions. It takes work and discipline. Dragging out of bed early for Bible study and prayer involves a certain amount of pain and inconvenience. And I've love to tell you that every time you discipline yourself for these important habits you'll hear the voice of God and experience incredible intimacy with Him. There will be such moments, but not always. Like physical exercise, you'll not always have an incredible, compelling experience to continue.
I've found that "spiritual exercises", such as prayer, Bible study, and personal worship, are much more valuable when I view them as personal expressions of love for my Father rather than activities that directly benefit me. Granted, I personally benefit immensely, but first and foremost these are ways to be with my Father to express my gratitude and love.
Developing godliness is the most important priority and discipline you can ever pursue. It is learning and spending time with the Father, and His Son, Jesus, so as to develop their character. Perhaps it is best described as opportunities for imitation. It's not knowing ABOUT them, but rather knowing them intimately so as to conform to their character. And this much I am certain of: you'll never for a moment regret devotion to this discipline as you live the truly abundant life in the age to come.
My simple weight training regiment is probably a passing phase of my mortal existence, but I pray that my devotion to training in godliness never loses zeal. And I pray this for you today as well.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
"discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
It's a matter of good stewardship to keep our bodies in reasonably good shape through exercise, proper nutrition, and rest, but, let's face facts: it's ultimately a losing battle. None of us need to be reminded that we have bodies that are in the process of degeneration. Try as we might to preserve youth and vigor, we will not succeed. The painful truth is, "our outer man is decaying" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Fortunately, "our inner man is being renewed day by day." That's the promise of godliness.
So, not to downplay attention to bodily discipline, it makes sense for more reasons than one to focus on training in godliness. As Paul says, "it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Physical fitness will reap temporary rewards; spiritual fitness is beneficial now as well as in the age to come.
Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Spiritual fitness doesn't magically develop any more than physical fitness results from good intentions. It takes work and discipline. Dragging out of bed early for Bible study and prayer involves a certain amount of pain and inconvenience. And I've love to tell you that every time you discipline yourself for these important habits you'll hear the voice of God and experience incredible intimacy with Him. There will be such moments, but not always. Like physical exercise, you'll not always have an incredible, compelling experience to continue.
I've found that "spiritual exercises", such as prayer, Bible study, and personal worship, are much more valuable when I view them as personal expressions of love for my Father rather than activities that directly benefit me. Granted, I personally benefit immensely, but first and foremost these are ways to be with my Father to express my gratitude and love.
Developing godliness is the most important priority and discipline you can ever pursue. It is learning and spending time with the Father, and His Son, Jesus, so as to develop their character. Perhaps it is best described as opportunities for imitation. It's not knowing ABOUT them, but rather knowing them intimately so as to conform to their character. And this much I am certain of: you'll never for a moment regret devotion to this discipline as you live the truly abundant life in the age to come.
My simple weight training regiment is probably a passing phase of my mortal existence, but I pray that my devotion to training in godliness never loses zeal. And I pray this for you today as well.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:07 AM
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