A Good Servant
If you put these instructions before
the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished
on the words of faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have
nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in
godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable
in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and
struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of
all people, especially of those who believe.
These are the things you must insist
on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example
in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give
attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to
you through prophesy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put
these things into practice, devote yourself to them,
so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your
teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both
yourself and your hearers.
There is nothing wrong with physical
fitness. But in the larger context, spiritual fitness is what gives us eternal
life. Bible dictionaries, commentaries are all valuable, but the Word of God is
where true spiritual fitness will come from.
No money is required to take the
spiritual truths that we know and put them into practice. We do not need
special equipment or materials to pray for a friend, give thanks to God, or
sing His praise. We just need to begin where we are, with what we have, right
now.
Godly exercise
is the key to godly character.
Our Daily
Bread –