Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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. 1 Timothy 4:6-8
Just wait until January. We’ll be bombarded with all the ads for diet programs, exercise equipment, etc. etc. But we Americans need to do something about our weight problem. Sadly, many of us will not even try to do anything to do remedy the problem. Not exercising can to serious health problems. We are out of shape and we need to exercise to get healthy!
Similarly, we need to exercise ourselves unto godliness. Pastor Timothy was instructed not to get involved with all the empty religious chatter of the day. Paul told him to exercise himself to godliness. Instead of focusing on all the nonsense of the day, Timothy was to concentrate his attention and efforts into becoming a godly person.
The same is true of us. There are all kinds of things that are trying to clutter the mind and pollute of the Christian. Not only the secular, but many junk- false religious are trying to fleece and fool the flock of Christ. We need to exercise ourselves to be godly.
The requirements
1. Decide! – God’s command to exercise ourselves demands an answer. Is godliness important enough to make a break with our soft, cushy living? Note that this is an intensely personal decision. Exercise YOURSELF! Just as you can’t lose weight by paying someone to run on a treadmill for you, you cannot expect anyone else’s spirituality or merely prayers (like your wife, or husband) to carry you through. YOU must personally decide to follow the Lord. Decide right now and begin the process of practicing the spiritual disciplines in your life.
2. Discipline! – The Greek word “exercise” is a form of the word Gumnazo and our English word Gymnasium comes from this word. This word “exercise” is also related to the Greek word for “naked.” Often athletes would strip down to the bare minimum in order to not be impeded in their strenuous efforts of physical exercise. The whole idea here was for Timothy (as well as us) to make great efforts and exertions to become a godly person. We must lay aside the things that so easily beset us so that we may run our Christian race with joy (Hebrews 12:1). What are the things in your life that keep you from exercising the godly disciplines in your life? Are you willing to remove them so that becoming more like Christ is the greatest priority in your life?
3. Dedication - The tense of the word Gumnazo (exercise)is the present tense. It means that you must practice this exercise continually. No athlete can expect to be an Olympic runner if he or she merely works out once a week. Sadly, many Christians feel that once a week church attendance (or less) will make them into a godly Christian. Godly Christianity is a 24/7 endeavor. God telling us to continually exercise for the purpose of godliness. This isn’t just some legalistic effort to say we did it, it is a life of striving to grow to be more like Christ.
The Results
Godliness! - The goal for our spiritual discipline is not for recognition, nor even our own happiness, it is godliness. This godliness, not only has results in this life, but “the life to come. Think of some eternal results of a godly life: Eternal souls brought to Christ, because of godly witness; Christians strengthened and living victoriously because of a godly encourager and example; Godly families that make an impact for generations, because of godly parents leading children in the way of God. Life-long friendship and fellowship with Christ because of a godly effort, to walk with him, resulting in a joyful reunion in heaven.
The above list, could be endless when we think about it. Just think what could be missed if we don’t live a godly life. When you look at the blessings of godliness, it’s worth the exercise.
Some people spend a lot of time working out in the Gym. What will that do? It will strengthen their physical stamina and improve their lives. That is good. But when it comes to the life to come, what kind of exercise will last? Bible reading, Bible meditation, Bible memorization, prayer, Christian service, participating in the local church, evangelizing are all part of the right exercise — the exercising for the purpose of godliness!
