BODILY EXERCISE. 1st Timothy 4:8. Bodily exercise benefits us in this life, but this life is only a short time. Spiritual life and discipline will give us a full life and benefit us forever. It is profitable in “all things,” which includes experiencing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and our knowledge of Him. The long-term benefits of godliness extend to the building up of our body, soul, and spirit, strengthening our faith and planting within us a greater love for the Lord and willingness to obey and serve Him with grateful hearts.
I hear them puffing and scuffing in the morning while it's still dark, trying to run a few miles before they head to work. The heavy uphill run causes them some pain, but it seems worth it to them—running even in the rain. They say they hope to strengthen their heart and live longer. Everything is physical, and their body is their main concern. The pressure they put on themselves is to look good to themselves and others, and to some extent, it works. Some people refuse to eat what most of us would consider to be normally good food. They are determined to eat certain things that burn calories.
Maintaining physical fitness and beauty through a slim body can take considerable time. It won’t be long before youthful years pass, and the strength of youth is gone, leaving nothing for the Lord if they do not “bear the yoke” in their youth. Some things are only temporary, while others last forever; we need to pay attention to what truly matters. What will give God glory? How much effort and time should I dedicate to and prioritize in my life?
The time it takes to become godly isn't just a quick glance at a scripture or a one- or two-sentence prayer. Our souls need to be nourished by truth so it can become clear and meaningful to us. Being godly isn’t about luck or circumstances but about deliberate choices we make. Bodily exercise is good, but it isn't the purpose of life. Other things hold much higher importance. Temporary things fade away; eternal things, which we cannot see, are what we should focus on.