Pastor Barry's  Chapter & Verse"  Day 138

May 18;   I Timothy 4:8;   194/260(I);   ‘Godliness is Profitable’

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

The deception of satan is very clear in this verse.  The Lord never tells us not to exercise or that it is a waste of time.  Almost anything you enjoy doing and is healthy for you is a blessing of the Lord.  When things you enjoy or are good for you cease to be a blessing is when they become more important to you than the things of God and you spend all of your time on those things that are other than the things of the Lord.  You could be in shape physically and terribly out of shape spiritually.  Your hobby or what you collect may be the envy of many people, while your spiritual impact on others may be little or nothing.  Jesus said it profits you nothing to gain the world and lose your soul.  No time with the Lord prevents you from helping others.   Godliness, or spending a great deal of your time on the things of God is profitable now and eternally.  Godliness is profitable now because your time in the Word, your prayer time, your Christlike nature, your involvement in church makes you a strong and successful Christian, blessed in everything you do.  Your godliness has great impact on others, as they are greatly influenced by your kindness and ability to help them in a meaningful way in time of need.  Being in great physical shape is no help to you or others when the circumstances of life happen.  Godliness is profitable eternally.  When you get to heaven, the Lord will reward you based on your spiritual accomplishments.  What you did with what you were blessed with.  The greatest words you will ever hear from the lips of Jesus is when He tells you, “Well done My good and faithful servant.”