1 Timothy 4:8 NET For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”
Trying to balance “living in this world” – the temporary one – and being a “citizen in an eternal world” reminds me of my year serving in Iraq. My actions there were very important, but there was so much more to consider as well. Iraq was temporary – only 1 year. I would return to another life as a civilian with a family to care for. Yet my job as a soldier needed my full focus – I needed to be constantly alert, get and stay in shape, watch my words, body language, etc., when dealing with local and foreign nationals…. I had to watch my military bearing with my fellow soldiers, too. But after duty hours, in the privacy of my room, I could “Skype” home and talk with my wife and kids; I could study for seminary, and plan for my return home. Keeping focused and prepared for the “real world” outside the military would be an activity that would have longer-lasting consequences than the “war” I fought. Iraq helped propel me and prepare me for what I face today.
Likewise, self-discipline in exercise, diet and worldly pursuits are great for the moment, and every believer does well to practice these things – but not to the exclusion of spiritual disciplines. Serving the Lord is a pursuit that lasts forever. Serving Him by developing godliness brings blessing today – AND forever! That means we need to train our mind through the Word of God, memorize scripture, obey the Bible, and live for the LORD. That means sharing the gospel with the Lost. That means teaching younger believers from the Scriptures. That means learning to love as He loves, live as He lives, and doing it all through Him and Him through us. That means worshiping the Lord every day. That means spending time with Him every day. The blessed are those who do this with a whole heart of thanksgiving and delight. Physical exercise is good, but godly exercise is great! We ARE dual citizens after all.
Just a Tho’t,
Greg Yount
First Baptist Church of Bakersfield: http://tinyurl.com/weR4him
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Pastor Greg