Right Exercise!

For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 AMP

Many physical themes and practices have their basis in the spiritual; a good example is today's focus: keeping fit. It is a good idea to keep fit, at least for the sake of our physical wellbeing, but today's extract makes it clear that there are some things that are even more important than how big you look on the outside.

God is more interested in building my character than he is in my muscles. The muscles may speak for me in some contexts, where brawn is required to make a point, but in the final analysis, these muscles are not as important as the quality of my relationship with God.

In building physical muscles, there is a particular and regular regimen I must follow: foods, drinks and all. Same for spiritual muscles: there are things I must do regularly - reading, meditating and practising the Word of God, and some things I must avoid - sin as the height of them all. In building physical muscles, I must have a motivation in view, to keep me committed to the regular regime; same as spiritual muscles. Physical muscles are limited because they cannot help me in the fights that really matter: the war for the souls of men.

The very thought of the life to come is enough motivation. The thought that there is a life without end is enough motivation. The truth that God has promised me an immortal life after this present phase is dealt with is enough motivation. After all, even the physical muscles cannot keep death away, only a life patterned on spiritual training will embrace physical death as a transition into true life.

Which one takes your attention? What would it be for you? His time of favour is here.