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“Train yourselves to be godly…” 1 Timothy 4:8

I’ve always enjoyed exercising, working out, being physically active in life. I was never great at it but I still have a great time. I played high school sports, enjoyed college intramurals, took up jogging and ran 17 marathons, played hockey all my life and still officiate ice hockey! My running has gone to walking but it’s still brisk and I still do my push ups and sit ups!!

So what? I saw a sign in a weight room one time when I was working out that showed the effects of exercise on your body based on age. Currently, according to the chart, all I can do is lose slower!! Now THAT’S real motivate to keep on working out! The sad but true reality is that that also describes all of us if we live long enough.

I also saw this verse at the same gym. “Train yourselves to be godly, for physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise both for the present life and for the life to come.” I can keep exercising physically and keep on losing slower. I can also exercise spiritually and gain benefits for this world AND the world to come. Not a bad deal I’d say.

I’m not planning on giving up on physical exercise; but I did ask myself the question again this morning, which gets my greatest focus, physical or spiritual workouts? If the return on effort is greater with what I do to strengthen myself spiritually, then it only makes sense to be sure I continue focusing more of my efforts and attentions on growing and developing spiritually. Much better return on my efforts; always has been, always will be. And I have found out how to be most efficient in both—I memorize scripture while I’m out for my brisk walk!! J Good exercise, good quiet time, good uninterrupted time, good prayer time.

Have a great day setting priorities around that with the greatest benefit,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Unity does not have to be uniformity”

PS From IRROC “Float away from stress this evening at the ASB pop-up event hosted by IRROC. We’re providing soda floats for everyone in the Atrium from 7-8 PM. Be sure to *pop* by for a sweet treat!”