Bodily and Spiritual Exercise
Scripture says in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise that which now is, and of that which is to come.”
During this time when we “sheltering in place,” it is vital that we continue to exercise, both bodily and spiritually.
Ever since I was young, I’ve enjoyed physical activity and all sorts of sports. To this day I have a weight bench in my basement and a couple of times each week I “kick-start” my exercise program by doing some bench presses. Then I go upstairs and do some curls, sit ups, floor stretches, and then some aerobics on the Simply Fit board.
We need to care for our body, for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is important that we discipline ourselves to exercise to sustain and improve our health. Walk around the block or park. Ride your bicycle or run. Refuse bad habits! Do not neglect good sleep, healthy food, and exercise. On the other hand, avoid gluttony and sleeping the day away!
Say no to procrastination. We cannot say we don’t have time now because during this Covid-19 we all have a little more time than usual! Maybe you’ve wanted to start an exercise program or lose weight. Well, this is a good time to begin that discipline. Say, “No!” to self-indulgence, fleshly amusements, or carnal desires.
In our hearts, we agree with this advice, though the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. In this passage we see the wisdom and incredible balance of God’s Word. It tells us that bodily exercise profits, and it does: a little! However, do not over-value bodily exercise to the neglect of your soul needs. We are to neither undervalue or overvalue the present life, realizing either is possible. We see that a godly life balances time with eternity, and it puts a proper value on the present with respect to the eternal. The Christian life keeps the present and the future in perfect balance.
While we know that bodily exercise has benefits to a longer, healthier life, realize this: godly living is even more important not only in this life but in the life to come. So, exercise yourself to live a holy life now.
Notice again this Scripture: “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Refuse sitting around and watching Hollywood movies with their ungodly agenda. Say “No!” to profane, godless, time wasting activity. Refuse those things, and chose to exercise yourself to godliness. How do we do this? At least in these three ways;
- Get alone with God, to get to know Him and His Word better.
- Gather consistently with God’s people. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”1
- Give consistently: God loves a cheerful giver.
Develop Godly habits and exercise yourself to godliness!
H: Happily Give
A: Attend Church faithfully
B: Bible reading daily
I: Intercession and prayer
T: Tell others of Christ
Let’s press on to exercise physically and spiritually to live godly lives.
Matt Recker is the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in New York City.
- Of course, we note that our gatherings right now are mostly virtual, but in this day of distancing, don’t avoid the virtual meetings with your own church as the Lord provides them. [↩]