1 Timothy 4:8-9

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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

1 Timothy 4:8-9

The benefits of physical exercise are pretty well documented. It will improve your stamina and it will be good for your heart, your blood pressure, and your cholesterol. It will make you feel better and look better. The only problem is the moment you drop dead all of those benefits are out the window immediately! None of those things will do you any good at all.

Paul says, bodily exercise is good, but it is only good for the short term and for one aspect of your life. “But godliness is profitable for all things.” It will produce benefits that help you today and last into eternity. When you work out and eat right, you do it for yourself, to make you look and feel better, but Godliness does so much more. It benefits you, it honors God, and it helps you to love your neighbor as well.

So “Exercise yourself toward godliness” and do as we are instructed in Hebrews 10:23-24, “Let us hold fast to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good works.”

Pastor Doug Hardin