Training for life

Exercise yourself toward godliness. — 1 Timothy 4:7

When Dean Karnazes completed the 26.2-mile New York Marathon in November 2006, it marked the end of an almost impossible feat of endurance. Karnazes had run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. This exceptional athlete’s ultra-endurance feats include: running 350 continuous miles, mountain biking for 24 hours straight, and swimming across San Francisco Bay. That level of fitness requires relentless, dedicated training.

Spiritual fitness, Paul told Timothy, also takes much more than a relaxed approach to live a God-honoring life. In a culture marked by false teaching, along with extreme forms of self-indulgence and self-denial, Paul wrote: “Exercise [train] yourself toward godliness. 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 Tim. 4:7-8).

Our bodies and our minds are to be dedicated to God and prepared for His service (Rom. 12:1-2). The goal is not spiritual muscle-flexing but godliness — a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Vigorous study of the Word, focused prayer, and bodily discipline are all part of the process.

How well we train greatly affects how well we run our race of life. — David McCasland

Just as the body grows in strength

With exercise each day,

Our spirit grows in godliness

By living life God’s way. — D. De Haan

READ: 1 Timothy 4:1-11

Godly exercise is the key to godly character.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 32-33

• Hebrews 1