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 4:8 NIV
I can’t tell you the number of times I have told Patty either before or after the workday, “I don’t want to make the drive to go work. Not to mention – I don’t even feel like it!” Shocking? I bet you feel that way sometimes too.
Yet as consistent as that thought and feeling may be, after it is all said and done, I have never regretted pushing past my feelings and making the time to do it … NEVER! I have always been grateful and satisfied.
Thinking along those lines reminds me of Paul telling Timothy that physical exercise/training has value … but spiritual training has even more. Truth is, many of you are much more disciplined with physical training when you really don’t want to than I am. I have to confess. I have gone for long periods without exercising. It showed. It affected every area of my life. It wasn’t that I wasn’t functioning. I kept up with it all, but it wasn’t fun or … well, it just seemed like I was in a fog.
I’m with Paul. As helpful as physical exercise and training are, and how much we diminish ourselves without it, spiritual training and exercise are even more so.
Maybe what you think is the problem in your life isn’t the problem. Maybe it is that you are out of shape spiritually. You know how it is to get out of shape physically. Physical training is valuable. Exercise strengthens the body, improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, reduces chronic disease risk, and enhances longevity, making it a key component of overall well-being. BUT … it pales in comparison to our spiritual health.
Physical training provides tangible, vital benefits for living a healthy and fulfilling life now, but Scripture suggests it is to be part of a broader discipline priority. Spiritual discipline and development goes beyond today. It’s not just temporary. It gives us enduring, eternal rewards. Therefore, it surpasses physical discipline. Spiritual discipline holds ultimate value.
So, in 2026 I see my clear responsibility. I need plenty of discipline. I AM going to discipline my mind, and drive to work even when I don’t feel like it.😊 I am going to regularly exercise my body. But my spiritual discipline is going to take priority.
Let’s see … it’s been just over a week. So far, so good.