Godliness and Physical Training
Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, warm wishes and hearty greetings in Jesus’ matchless name.
The above subject verse (1 Timothy 4:8) in a way let’s us ponder upon the values of physical training with respect to godliness which is by the spiritual training. The verse says that the physical training is of some or little value when compared to the spiritual training. To establish godliness in our lives, we need spiritual training. just like the physical counterpart. By physical training we condition our outer body, whereas by the spiritual training we strengthen our spirit.
Although, the verse does not discourage us to do physical conditioning of our body, but it lays emphasis on our spiritual conditioning. For what we derive of physical training is for the present time alone. Whereas the spiritual strengthening is for both the present time and the life which is to come. The most important thing that we need to consider is the amount of time that we spend for the inner body. If our leanings are toward the wishes of the flesh, but naturally we spend more time for our outer bodies. Moreover, as said by the below verse, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and pride of the life are from the world. Yes, they are not from the Father who is above.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1 John 2:16 ESV
We are God’s temple
Beloved, the subject verse says that godliness has a value for all things. Moreover it holds promise for the life that is of now and for the one that is to come. Yes, we have the mercies of life from the living God. The Almighty keeps his loved ones under His mighty wings and enables us to live uprightly. We know that salvation is the free gift of God and it is by His grace, through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Lord Jesus dwells in the bodies of godly children. As the scriptures says that we are His temple.
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
Finally, let us live a godly life, with Jesus as our Lord and walking in righteousness with Lord the Holy Spirit who indwells in us. Also, fully submit to do the will of the Heavenly Father through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.