Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
I've got a lot of friends who love to live in the gym. It seems like they're there all day, every day, and the goal is that they look good, that all the muscles fill out in all the right places, so that when they stand in the mirror and they flex, they're impressed with what they see.
I tend to be on the other side of the spectrum. I love my couch. It hugs me in all the right places, and I can stay comfortable as long as I want to. I feel like, spiritually speaking, we've got people on both sides of the spectrum.
Physical Training vs. Godly Training
This Scripture says that physical training is good, but godly training is better. How so? When we look at eternity and we think of what we as believers have access to and guarantees of with Jesus, we have a heavenly body that doesn't fall apart. There is no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears. We get to spend eternity unhindered in the presence of God.
Now, when I think about what Paul is talking to Timothy about in this scripture, I see him encouraging us to live like eternity today. If I take in the spiritual practices that keep me focused on Jesus, I'm working out my spirit man. I'm going to the gym in the spirit and I'm getting stronger.
A Word of Caution
Here's a caution—don't just work out to show off. We can be so muscly and built up that we forget there are people who need our strength. We can also be so comfortable on the couch we get a spiritual dad bod, overeating good content but never using the fuel God intended for us to use to strengthen each other, to be with one another.
I might be coming after you a little bit. I'm coming after myself. Listening to all the worship music, watching all the sermons online, reading all the devotionals is good, but what are you going to do with it? Are you going to put it into practice and use it in a way that betters your community around you? Are you going to love your family through what you're learning? Are you going to impact your workplace with what you're listening to?
Put Your Training to Work
Are you getting stronger to show off, or are you chillin' on the spiritual couch, consuming good things but not putting the fuel to use? Here's the truth: God wants us to take everything He gives to us for life and godliness and put it to work. Are you doing it?
I know I need to do it more, but I trust that when you put your hands to it, when you decide to stand up and work out the Word, you'll see the benefits won't just be for here. It'll be for eternity too.