“Godliness”

For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding ground for both the present life and the life to come. 1Timothy 4:8

Verse Reflections:  I am blessed to love “physical training”.  If I didn’t love to exercise I have no doubt I would weigh 100 pounds more than I do now.  I figured out one day that I would gain 30 pounds a year if I didn’t run.  YIKES!!  I spend a minimum of three hours a week running and I try to spend five hours running.  I’m not fast, but I do it and I love it.  So, this verse is telling me that this is of some value but godliness has more.  Godliness has value for ALL things not just our bodies.  My soul smiles when I hear God talk about preparing for the life to come, the life without bodies.  If I spend three to five hours exercising, how much more time should I spend in devotion, prayer, in developing my godliness?   I have to confess, it is hard for me to make time for these devotions you are reading now.  I have to make myself not turn on the news in the morning, not begin some of my habits I love before I finish this time with God.  I must remembers that the time building my godliness is more valuable and when these physical bodies are gone, the time I put into my soul will continue to have value.

Prayer:  Father, keep reminding me of this verse.  Keep reminding me that my time with You is more important than anything I can do for my body.  I know I am a better person when I invest time into You in the morning. I am more grounded, I am calmer when things happen, I do not look at what happens from an egocentric viewpoint.  I love You Father, more than my body and yet, I spend a full day a week, seven to twelve hours exercising, eating, showering, fixing my hair.  Remind me each morning that I must integrate You into every part of my life.  Today, I want You to just be here with me.  Restore my godliness at a level that is beyond me.  I want that value for the life to come.  I want to have godliness that will sustain me and be me when my body is gone.  I love You so much.  Come into my body, take over today and let me have godliness that makes food seem irrelevant in the big picture of life.