Have You “Exercised” Today?

No, this is not a post about the benefits of exercise.  Though I am “all in” regarding the benefits of physical exercise I am even more “all in” regarding the benefits of spiritual exercise…and by that I do not mean raising your Bible up and down 10 times with each arm.  Nor do I mean dashing quickly to the pot luck food table at the church social.  And I am not alone in my feelings toward spiritual exercise.  The apostle Paul feels the way I do…well, I guess it’s more correct to say that I feel that way he felt.  Here is what he writes in 1 Timothy 4:  ⁶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. ⁷ But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Paul says that bodily exercise profits a little and we know this is true.  We should take care of the bodies that we have been given and eating and exercise are parts of that.  But the benefits of a good diet and regular exercise are limited only to this life.  There will be no Gold’s Gym or Planet Fitness in heaven!  However, the benefits of spiritual exercise are, according to Paul, “profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come”.  Spiritual exercise pays off now, in helping us to live the abundant life that Jesus promised us, and it pays off in the future, in eternal reward.

So, I would suggest doing some “curling” up around the fire with the Bible…”pressing” into the word of God…”squatting” down on your knees in prayer and letting God “stretch” your mind and heart around His word, His will and His ways.  If it makes you feel better, you can even keep a towel handy in case of excess perspiration.   If I can help let me know.