I remember when I joined the gym a few years ago, I felt quite sluggish and out of shape. The week I joined; I noticed another fellow about the same age as me who had also recently joined. We were both struggling to exercise, and it felt somewhat comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t seem to know what he was doing.
Fast forward six months later, and this same guy who I had taken comfort in thinking that we were both in the same boat, was now confident in his exercises and had lost a considerable amount of weight. I only noticed the difference when I saw him after being away from the gym for a few weeks. His commitment to exercising a couple of days a week was showing great results.
Paul wrote to Timothy, exhorting him by saying, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” 1 Timothy 4:7-8.
Paul used the analogy of physical training to communicate a spiritual truth that yields far greater benefits in transforming the believer’s life for eternity. This spiritual truth is that regular commitments to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading the word, exercising self-control for righteousness (etc.) produces results.
Just like my friend in the gym, sometimes you may not feel like reading your Bible, or when you do, it may seem like you are not getting much insight. Sometimes you may not feel like praying or even joining a corporate gathering, but as you commit to these disciplines, eventually you will see the results in your life.
Be encouraged!
Blessings,
Chris Eke
