Committed Training Pays Off

“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 NKJV

In a story published by The National yesterday, it was reported that PAPUA New Guinea distance runner Dilu Goiye clocked an outstanding 34 minutes and 21 seconds over the 10km World Cross Country Championship course at the Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida, United States, on Saturday.

Athletics PNG described his achievement as “the benefit of consistent training over an extended period of time.”

Gore, who has resumed training at Goroka’s National Sports Institute only a week after the Palau Games, was “the most committed to training last year and it was this consistency that earned him selection for the World Cross Country Championships.”

And, you know, as this story illustrates, committed physical training can reap a lot of rewards. Not only can it earn a person a PR (Personal Record), but committed and consistent exercise improves our health, our stamina, and even our mental clarity--all things that can help us serve God by serving others. Yet even at its best, working out touches only the outer man.

Which is the very reason Paul said, “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.” It was a reminder that a believer's first priority is to exercise the soul, since such training is of benefit both today and in the life that awaits us beyond the finish line.

You see, the benefits of physical exercise stop at the grave. And although running and working out can lengthen our life and greatly improve the quality of it, it cannot give us eternal life or teach us the way in which we should walk to live a righteous life. Godliness, on the other hand, affects "all things" and every part of our lives. Which is the very reason we must put in spiritual training each and every day to ensure that we live a life that honors God through reverence, obedience, and devotion—something made possible by reading the Scriptures and applying them to our lives, praying, and meditating on the Word. This is how we train spiritually and this is the commitment and consistency that comes with the greatest PR and reward... a Personal Relationship with Jesus and the godliness that leads to eternal life.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV

So, seek Jesus first and above all else my friend. Set aside time for Bible study, prayer, meditation, and fellowship with other believers. Be committed and be consistent in your spiritual training knowing that these important disciplines will ensure that everything else will be added

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that while it’s important to treat our bodies as temples and to honor You with them, it’s most important to exercise our spirits so we can grow in knowledge, perseverance, and the godliness that leads to eternal life. Help us to do this Lord that we might continually grow in our relationship with You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!