Godliness

 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 


Note that the Apostle Paul doesn't say that bodily training is of no value. He wasn't necessarily telling Timothy to give up his gym membership necessarily. We should look after ourselves physically.

Paul wasn't belittling working out. He was just emphasising that working out spiritually is more important. Being Christlike is of value in every way.

We can say that if we're godly, we will look after ourselves physically as well. After all, Jesus himself isn't just a ghost, but an embodied person who looks after himself. Godliness is foundational to everything else in life.

It's not enough to be physically fit if our characters aren't good. We need to develop godly character, not just to live good lives, but to be sure that we're heading for eternal life. Our godliness doesn't save us, but if we are saved, we will become godly.

'God, please help us to become like you. May we look after ourselves, and please welcome us home to glory, for your honour and praise we pray, amen'.



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