A Profitable Exercise
But 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 promise of the life that now is, and that is to come. I Timothy 4:7-8
The other day I was wanted to get some exercise but was unable to because of an injury that needed to heal. As I was thinking about it the Lord brought this passage to mind. The fact is I can exercise godliness at all times even when I am physically limited.
1. Godliness is personal piety or to be more clearly understood, it is living with a reverence for God’s presence in your life. It is interesting that we must practice (exercise) this because it does not come natural. There are many distractions even to the believer that take our minds off God.
2. Godliness is profitable unto all things. That simply means it will benefit you in all areas of your life. In all relationships, in all responsibilities, in the quality of your life and the effectiveness of your Christian influence. It will benefit you here in your earthly journey and will benefit you in heaven. When that is considered it ought to motivate you to exercise yourself unto godliness.
3. The profitable expectation is only the result of godly exercise. Don’t expect to see God’s favor and the profit it offers without exercising yourself unto godliness. When I trained for a marathon my confidence grew the more I prepared. The preparation was not always easy or convenient but it was necessary if was going to finish the race. So too, I must not expect any more profit from God than what I prepare myself for. I did not think I was ready to run a marathon after the first month of training but I did gain confidence that if I kept my training schedule I’d finish in a satisfactory time.
4. Exercising one’s self unto godliness is an act of the will. It is scheduled and forced behavior that should lead to habitual behavior. Such as being a good listener when you have a tendency to do all of the talking. Such as keeping your word and taking responsibility for your actions. Such as doing quality work even when no one is around. Such as turning the channel when the program is profane. Such as praying and thanking God before your meal. Such as church attendance, Bible reading, witnessing, tithing, and prayer. These are all godly exercises that will profit you.
