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"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."
(1 Timothy 4:8)
Bodily exercise (Greek word: gymnasia) does profit; it is beneficial. The NLT reads, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
Exercising helps one mentally, emotionally, and obviously physically. When we exercise, we simply feel better in general and feel better about ourselves. When we are in good shape, we handle sickness and stress much better.
Commenting on 1 Timothy 4:8, Warren Wiersbe writes, "Paul shifted to an athletic illustration at this point in his letter. Just as a Greek or Roman athlete had to refuse certain things, eat the right food, and do the right exercises, so a Christian should practice 'spiritual exercise.' If a Christian puts as much energy and discipline into his spiritual life as an athlete does into his game, the Christian grows faster and accomplishes much more for God." (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible Exposition Commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 225–226). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Here are some practical helps that I offer to you in relation to physical health, which we have been discussing this week in our devotions. The goal here is not shame and guilt but blessing and much encouragement for you to recognize what a great gift God has given you in your physical body and to take care of that body. If you never lose a pound, God will not love you any less!
First, get started! When it comes to physical exercise or taking care of your physical body, sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started. When the pain of being out of shape exceeds the pain of working out, that will be a good day for you; for then you will begin to make changes.
Second, anticipate struggle and ask God to help you overcome it. Some will never start because they see it as futile. They will watch their eating habits or start a workout program but never stay with it. I want to encourage you to make it a lifestyle instead of an event.
Third, get the proper advice and equipment. Find a place where you can work out and go there 3-4 times a week. I also recommend finding a good chiropractor who can help.
Fourth, believe you can do it. Philippians 4:13 is still in the Bible! It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Fifth, set goals. Start small, like simply walking a few times a week. Build up to more lofty goals. Had you told a much younger me that in my 50s I would do triathlons and marathons, I would literally have started laughing. But friends kept encouraging me, and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.
Sixth, encourage others and allow them to encourage you. I know that friends have greatly helped me in my goals of doing triathlons and marathons.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits, as the Apostle Paul commands us in 1 Corinthians 6:20. Are you doing that? If not, then today is a great day to start. With God's help, you can do it!
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