1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
What are the benefits of bodily exercise? Well for me personally it is...better shape of the body (less round), no medication to help with my blood pressure or diabetes, a better feeling of energy and accomplishment. The benefits of exercise can be awesome! I never, in my whole life, thought I would say that I like to run and exercise but I do. The stress that comes off of me while listening to my Christian music and running is just so crazy. But what is cool is that not only do I benefit from it, but my wife and boys benefit from it as well. I hope I'm a better husband and daddy because of the benefits of a healthy body.
But notice what the scriptures say, "Bodily exercise profiteth little:". God did not say that exercise wasn't good for you. You know what is so funny? I've heard people use this scripture to teach exercising does you no good. That's not what God is teaching here. He is saying... Compared to Godliness, that profits unto ALL things, the benefits of bodily exercise is little. You see, bodily exercise benefits for years, but Godliness benefits for eternity! Bodily exercise benefits here on earth, but Godliness benefits in this life and our life of eternity which is to come. What is really cool is that not only do we benefit from exercising Godliness, but our spouses will, our children will, our churches will, our employers will, our friends will, our neighbors will. Can't you see how much greater it is?
So while we exercise our bodies, never forget to exercise our spirit in Christ Jesus, because that's what will profit the most in the end.
