Exercising Godliness

Thinking about physical exercise made me think about a verse in the Bible that says: 

"...Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7 

The next verse says: 

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8 

If you're someone who doesn't particularly enjoy exercising or even walking, I'm sure you give a hearty "amen" to that verse. (smile!) 

It's true though. In regards to the things that will last for eternity, bodily exercise isn't that important. Exercising godliness is important though, extremely important. God's Word says that godliness is profitable unto all things.   

The verses mentioned above got me thinking. What does exercising godliness look like? 

Crunches? Push ups? Sit ups? No, I don't think that's what the Bible writer had in mind. 

As mentioned in my last blog post, something as simple as walking can (and does) have excellent health benefits. In the same way, exercising godliness can be something simple, yet have long lasting, eternal benefits! 

What might that look like? 

I believe that includes things such as: 

~ Dedicating time (even just 30 min. a day) to read God's Word and to pray. (for yourself and others) Like walking, this one is a good idea to make a daily habit as much as possible. Find what time of day works best for you. 

~ Meeting and fellowshipping with other Christians to encourage each other in the things of God. That could be in a church service or in someone's home. The Bible says that the early church met in homes. 

I believe exercising godliness can include other things like: 

~ Texting, emailing, or writing someone to simply ask how they are doing. This one is so easy to do and has a huge impact! I think everyone enjoys knowing that they are thought of, cared about, and loved. 

~ Reaching out to the lost, the poor, and the needy. The Bible is full of this, and we see Jesus doing exactly this when He ministered to others while on earth. 

~ Reading and teaching Bible stories to children. Whether you're a stay at home parent or a single person, simply reading Bible stories to children has a long lasting, eternal impact on young hearts and minds. I speak from experience. Though I have no children of my own, the Bible stories my mom read to me before bed time as a child had an enormous impact on my life as I got older. God's Word doesn't return void. 

~ Visiting a sick or dying person. (if possible) 

~ Taking someone a meal. (when needed)

~ Opening your home in hospitality. 

The list of "godly exercises" definitely goes on!  

1 Timothy 4:12-13 says: 

"... Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

I believe the things mentioned in the verses above are ways to exercise godliness. The benefits of godly exercises are eternal!