DIET AND EXERCISE
"If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 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." (I Timothy 4:6-8)
There are two main ingredients for living a healthy life: proper diet and exercise. When I go to the rec center and see people who are slim and trim doing their workouts, I can assume that they are also eating a well-balanced diet and getting proper exercise. Those whom I see on a regular basis demonstrate that this is what is important in their lives. I think maybe the rec center is their church, they are so faithful in their attendance. They probably are convinced that good eating and exercising well will help their quality of life to be enhanced, and the Apostle agrees that bodily exercise is profitable – a little. But there is more to life than the life that "now is." Physical exercise is profitable for the here and now, but godly exercise is beneficial for eternity also.
The Apostle Paul drew this analogy – being nourished in words of faith and doctrine, and exercising godly living. A healthy Christian will have these two components in his or her life. They are both important. Feeding on God's Word gives strength to live godly. But knowing God's Word is of little value if we don't exercise it. Exercise strengthens our spiritual muscles.
The balance between the two is critical. They are synergistic – working together to form a well-balanced life. So watch your diet, and do your exercises. But don't neglect feeding on the word of God and exercising godliness.
Love, Dad
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