"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
(1 Timothy 4:8-10 NLT)
The older I get the more important it is that I eat right and exercise regularly but as important as that is it all means nothing if my spirit man is starving. Diet and exercise will extend my life and the quality of it but it only pushes back the inevitable a little while.
Grass withers and flowers fade when the LORD sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.
(Isaiah 40:7 GNB)
I am convinced that this life serves this purpose: to allow those who say they love God to prove what they say is true. How many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him?
A third time He asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep. "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go."
(John 21:17-18 NLT)
Jesus indicated each time Peter replied something was required of him so that he may prove his love for Jesus. It is no less true with us. I love this life God gave me because I know Jesus walks with me, it is my time to try. And as I do I will fall, it’s not about being perfect but in falling I come to a better understanding of God’s love for me. He lifts me up, dusts me off, and helps me to stand once again. If I went to heaven as soon as I accepted Christ Jesus into my heart I would not know His great love, nor would I be given the opportunity to show my love for Him. Yes, it is good to stay healthy but don’t forsake your spiritual health because of short sightedness. Your physical health means you get to experience God’s presence longer and that is good but without your spiritual health your beauty, your talents, your efforts will all fade quickly in the light of eternity.
I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies; You disgrace those who hate us.
(Psalms 44:6-7 NLT)
And Lord I do not trust in my ability to stay healthy but trust you with my life here below and look to You for leading me home so that I may be with you for eternity. Provide me the courage to try and the faith to believe you will pick me up when I fall. For it is only in the doing that I come to understand You won’t leave me. If I don’t experience Your love for myself then all that I’ve heard about You are just stories and though stories can ignite passion for life its only in the doing , the living life, that the stories turn into relationship and relationship into love for You. I thought I loved You when You saved me but I love You more today.
