Nina Smit

Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.

~ 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Here Paul spells out clearly to his spiritual son, Timothy, how to dedicate his life to God. True dedication does not develop overnight, you need to train yourself! And, according to Paul, this spiritual training is much more valuable than physical exercise.

Nowadays physical health is a focal point. Everybody is encouraged to eat healthy food and exercise enough. A new gym opened near us recently and every day I am surprised at the number of people who make use of it. You might also find a good workout in a gym important, and that’s fine. But, like Timothy, you should make sure that you also get enough spiritual exercise.

This training will make it necessary for you to steer clear of the things that do damage to your relationship with God; to allow for enough time for God in your busy daily program, and to make sure you don’t neglect in-depth Bible study. Then the promise in today’s verse will come true for you: you will reap the fruits of your dedication now and in the future!

Father, I confess that I still spend too much time on things that aren’t really important. From now on I want to spend my time and energy on dedicating my life to You. Amen