A Workout That Lasts

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

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

Oh, wow, I am sore!

I groaned as I climbed each step, feeling every muscle I'd worked out the day before. It had been a while since I'd used that particular weight machine at the gym, and I was definitely noticing the difference the next day. It was clear I had neglected that specific muscle group, and my body was letting me know it.

In the following days, my muscle soreness eased, and as I began a regular workout routine again, my body adapted and there were fewer jarring aches in the morning. Getting back into a regular weightlifting routine has its benefits… but they only last this side of heaven.

Something that has a more lasting impact than my exercise discipline is my spiritual discipline. Paul writes in his letter to Timothy that while physical training has some value, it's godliness that has value both in the present life and the life to come.

So, how's your spiritual workout routine? Do you find yourself going to the same Scripture verses but neglecting their context? Are there pages in your Bible you've never read? Maybe they've sounded too confusing or boring… but they're there for a reason.

Have your prayers become routine around mealtimes but fail to address what's really going on in your heart? Has "I'm just too busy for that" been your excuse for far too long... and now you find yourself wondering when the last time was that you had a real moment with Jesus?

The good news is that it's never too late to exercise those spiritual muscles. If it's been a while, or it's something new, it may feel strange at first… but over time, you'll see real results. When that next challenge in life comes, you won't respond the way you used to. You'll recognize that your faith has grown, and the investment you've made in time with Jesus is paying off... with rewards that last for eternity.

Don't neglect those spiritual muscles, dear one! Get your workout on today!