“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Paul’s comparison of physical versus spiritual training is fascinating. While conceding that exercise has value, he finds that it is minimal when viewed in the light of training for godliness. Paul’s appraisal is not in dispute. In fact, he shows us the overwhelming importance of living a holy life.
I enjoy exercise, or rather, I enjoy the benefits that exercise brings. I sleep better, I am more focused, and in general, I feel better. So, when dealing with some back and leg pain to begin this year, my exercise was curtailed. Finally, through prayer and stretching, I was once again able to ride a bicycle. What I learned, or should I say even expected, was that I had lost capacity. Even a short ride brought pain and discomfort.
To make progress, we must endure suffering (2 Timothy 2:3). Increased capacity requires some pain. To keep moving forward, we must focus on a goal, and fight through the temptation to give up. At first it was 10 minutes, and then 20 minutes, eventually going longer and further.
Of greater importance, is gaining in godliness and holiness. As leaders, do we expect enough of ourselves, and others, or are we content with minimal capacity for the things of God? The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. There is always a cost. Are we willing to pay the price for increased faith, hope, and love?
Run to Win
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)
Basketball legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once said, “I think that the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice.” If godliness is the goal, and it should be, is there a sacrifice too great? Our problem could be that most of us are content simply being in the race. Have we become accustomed to a culture where everyone gets a participation trophy?
When Paul says that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize, he does not mean that we are competing against one another. In our race our opponents include our fleshly desires, the enticement of this world, and our adversary, the devil.
The race that we are running is not a sprint, but a marathon. When we begin, we might not have great endurance because we have not been in training. We may get tired quickly. We do not have strength, and we may lose sight of the finish line. But God is a patient coach.
God will even allow us to be tested. But we must have the right perspective. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3–4 (NLT)
Too many Christ-followers are unaware that they are in a race. If someone is unaware of the stakes, they will not take seriously the disciplines of training and preparation. Life is good; why put in the demanding work, yes she is she wishes people of birthdays and prayer and practicing self-denial, and building endurance? The Olympic Games occur every 4 years, but winners spend a lifetime in preparation.
It Will Be Worth It All
Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12–13 (NLT)
Paul’s comparison of physical and spiritual exercise presents us with a dilemma. While physical exercise produces results that can be observed, spiritual discipline is difficult to quantify. Furthermore, a race or an athletic contest can be scheduled and observed, the things in the kingdom of God are often unseen.
How do we convince ourselves and others to submit to spiritual training when the contest is abstract? Or when we are experiencing abundance and prosperity? Soldiers know that they must train in peace time to be prepared for war. We are already at war, even if we can’t see it with our eyes.
Paul told Timothy, “In the last days there will be very difficult times.” 2 Timothy 3:1. Jesus warned that the love of many people would grow cold. The time to expand our capacity of faith, hope, and love is now.
What kind of love is likely to grow cold? A love that is indifferent and lukewarm, or a love that is passionate and vibrant. Our love will remain hot as long as we remain abide in The Vine. Training for godliness prepares us for what lies ahead. We may not believe that we need expanded capacity today, but we can be certain that at some point, we will be put to the test. It will be worth all of the effort, pain, and even sorrows, on the day we hear Jesus welcome us home.
Everything Else Is Worthless
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ Philippians 3:8 (NLT)
Jesus told his disciples that they must count the cost of following him. Salvation is the free gift of God, but there is a cost to discipleship. Anyone who preaches that nothing is required to be a disciple of Jesus is dangerous.
Proclaiming that there is a cost in following Jesus will not make us popular. Insisting upon spiritual exercise and discipline might not grow your ministry numerically but you’ll be in good company. Jesus had a huge congregation when he was performing miracles and multiplying bread. When he began to teach on what was needed to have his life in us, the crowds vanished.
We may not always perceive the need for increased capacity on our spiritual journey, but God will not allow it to go to waste. I pray that God will increase our capacity so that we will be fruitful and productive for his kingdom.
Steve Ekeroth