“The trees of the LORD are full of sap; The cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: As for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; And the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: The sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: Wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, And lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work And to his labour until the evening.”
Psalm 104:16-23 KJV,https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.104.16-23.KJV
Staying in Spiritual Shape
When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart—physical health matters.
In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God.
But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s not enough on its own. We need something more—something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness.
Godliness isn’t just about avoiding bad habits. It’s about shaping our lives around God’s presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—strengthens our souls.
When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn’t just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life—mentally, ...