Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-10
Before the recent explosion of fitness centers and workout gyms, Gold’s Gym was always the best-known name in the industry. Now that exercise, physical fitness, conditioning and training, and health are readily encouraged those type of centers have become very important in many people’s lives. That is a good thing.
If you take the “L” out of Gold’s Gym it is easy to see what Paul is encouraging in this weeks scripture passage. While he acknowledges that it is good to exercise and be fit physically he also stresses that training in our spiritual lives is of utmost importance. Not only does it help us in living this life on earth, but it also prepares us for eternity which lies ahead.
Pastor and author Eugene Peterson passed away this week at his home in Montana. He was the author who wrote the Message Bible paraphrase which has become very popular in recent days. As you consider your own life and how well your “training in godliness” or “disciplined life in God” is going, here is how the New International Version translation and the Message Bible paraphrase share 1 Timothy 4:8-10….
For 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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” (NIV)
“Exercise daily in God, no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.” (The Message)
Make it Personal: We can never spend enough time in God’s Gym! Whether that is in prayer, in God’s Word, in times of devotion and reading, or in fellowship with God’s people. Be sure to keep up your physical exercise but don’t ignore your need for spiritual growth and growing in your relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Please pray for Eugene Peterson’s wife and family this week.
Have a great week, Pastor Glen Rhodes
