One of the things that always seems to follow us throughout life is our physical fitness. It is a topic of discussion for practically any age group, with the exception of the ages that don't quite realize its importance. The Bible actually does talk about physical fitness too. 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that physical training has some importance but there is something of greater value. Godliness holds value for not just the present life, but also the life to come. So why is it we do not spend more time discussing our "godliness training"? Godliness is the most beneficial virtue we could attain. "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 Not only that, but the Bible tells us to pursue godliness (1 Timothy 6:11). So, with that being said, continue to put importance on your physical training but make sure you put MORE importance on your "godliness training".
I'm gonna back up here and take a side street on 1 Timothy 6:6. It says that godliness with contentment is great gain. A lot of times we will not be content with the situation we are in or, for a lot of us, the money situation we are in. But God gives us instruction to be content with what we have; to be free from the love of money. He also tells us that He will NEVER leave or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' " This verse gives us not only instruction, but hope as well. When we are in a tight spot with our money, or other situation, we can have faith that God will never leave us or forsake us. Now that's something to have hope AND joy in!
I have one more point I would like to bring up before I close. I'm going to give you a verse to challenge you. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul wrote this to Timothy when Timothy was in his mid thirty's or younger. This was also a time when a position of influence and leadership was usually not held by a man so young; as a result, he probably faced many oppositions. Don't let oppositions stop you from doing what you know is right. People are going to think and say what they will, but what matters most is obeying God. I challenge you to really focus on what Paul wrote in this verse and the example he told Timothy to set, make it your goal to be that example too.
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Preserve in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:15&16
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