Lesson #11: Only of little profit

I haven't been running due to the nagging issue of plantar fasciitis. 2 weeks of NO running has seemed like a year and I honestly can't remember how good it feels, but I miss it greatly. Instead, I've been swimming, doing elliptical, cycling, taking strength classes, etc. All of these are great activities, but nothing quite compares to running for me. Anyone with me on this? :-) I'm confident that this too shall pass and I'll be back on the road again, but until then, I've received a great peace in a perspective from the book of Timothy.

I was once again reminded in Timothy 4:8 of this much needed verse: "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Every time I read this verse it hits me hard on the head. All the hours I put into bodily discipline will only benefit me for a short while...that being the time I am on earth. Now, I argue that bodily discipline teaches you about spiritual discipline and it enables one to actually fulfill the calling God has given them on this world. So, it is important. But, our time on earth is quickly fleeting, like the withering grass. The hours I spend training for races, wiping the sweat off my face at the gym, and inhaling chlorine as I attempt to swim laps, will not account for anything when I stand before my Savior in Heaven. This verse tells us that the spiritual discipline of godliness will profit me in ALL things! That phrase 'all things' means now and the life to come in glory with Him. Doesn't it put everything into proper perspective? Really, if you miss that 6:00 a.m. morning run, it will be okay...God's word says so.

I was just at the gym for 2 hours. Have I spent two hours in God's word and in prayer today? Can you think of the possibilities if I did? I typically feel more frustrated and shamed if I miss a workout than if I miss a day in bible study. It is time to reverse that thinking and let God's word and prayer be my endurance and strength builder.

Let's be fixing our hope on Him.