Train Yourself for Godliness
Paul says to Timothy: "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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 4:7-8)
So Paul is saying that it's a good thing to train your body, to look after your body and be healthy. It is of value.
Back in the early days of our denomination, there was an article about healing in our Nazarene paper. Listen to what one of the authors said: "I believe in divine healing, but somehow, I believe that it would be as much to the glory of God… to take care of this temple of the Holy Spirit as it is to trust Him for healing."
Profound! Taking care of your body - through good eating, and exercise - is as much to the glory of God as Him healing you if something is wrong with your body.
Why Physical Training Alone Isn't Enough
Here's a simple question: do you need to begin exercising? A daily walk, or run, or push-ups and sit-ups or squats, or going to the gym, or stretching, or whatever?
In fact Paul also addressed this in his letter to the Corinthians when he said: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)
Perhaps you have been a slave to your body, and it's time to prayerfully make a change, so that your body becomes your slave, and you keep it under control.
Facing My Own Struggle With Spiritual Discipline
This is a difficulty for me - to be open with you for a moment. I am definitely a stress-eater and a stress-non-exerciser. This is the part of my life that usually falls apart when I am under pressure. This is an important message for me today, to make some changes. To get careful and not careless.
But again, Paul's point here is that you should watch your physical health, but watch your spiritual health even more! Watch your spiritual training programme. Exercise spiritually every day. Read that Bible. Pray. Do it when you don't even feel like it, but seek God there and find joy in it.
Building a Daily Spiritual Exercise Routine
Remember, we are disciples of Jesus. That's basically the same word as "discipline". Spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, fasting, church attendance, and so on - these are the things that train us in godliness.
Too many of us are spiritually flabby and overweight because of a poor diet and lack of spiritual exercise.
Paul says to us - watch your life! Live carefully! Be intentional about your spiritual health! Show the world that you are well trained in the godliness that God requires of you.
Paul tells Timothy that physical training has some value, but training yourself in godliness is what truly counts, for this life and the next.