Working Up
"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."
1 Timothy 4:8
I love to work-out. The challenge of physical activity invigorates me and the results spur me on. I currently have some weight to lose and I wouldn't consider myself extremely fit, however, my goals for fitness take up considerable time and energy.
This verse in Timothy suggests that my time is better spent elsewhere. Here, Paul is telling Timothy that exercise does profit...a little. He also explains that the quest for godliness leads to profit for all things and spurs us on (in the present and future). If I was offered two jobs, one with minimum wage earnings and another with salary and benefits, I would be silly not to take the higher paying job.
When I wake up each day and I choose how to use my time, I often overlook the benefit of spending time seeking God (and godliness). On average, I would say that I spend about two hours per day on making sure my physical appearance is acceptable to me. That includes hygiene, doing my hair and make-up, and exercising.
On average, I would say that I spend about 15 minutes studying God's word and praying. Now, to my credit, I often spend moments throughout the day seeking God in different ways. Even if I added those moments up, I may be spending an extra 10 minutes seeking after God.
That's an hour and thirty-five minutes short of what I spend on making sure I look good.
OUCH!
What if I matched the amount of time that I spent on keeping up appearances to the time I spent keeping up on my spiritual condition? What would God do with my heart in two hours a day?!?!?!
Chances are, if I increased my time with God, the time spent on myself would decrease. Part of that would be logistics (four kids does not allow me to spend four hours a day on only me!), but I think more importantly, my perspective would shift. Perhaps my heart would realize what Paul is telling Timothy. Perhaps my motivation would shift from "working out" to "working up."
God make me a woman who is spurred on my You. I pray you would help me to honor you with my physical appearance, but more than that, that I would honor you with the condition of my heart. Thanks for loving me on the outside (every pound) and loving me on the inside (every thought). Wow, Your love is big! I love you too and want more of you in my life. Make that true today.
Amen.
This verse in Timothy suggests that my time is better spent elsewhere. Here, Paul is telling Timothy that exercise does profit...a little. He also explains that the quest for godliness leads to profit for all things and spurs us on (in the present and future). If I was offered two jobs, one with minimum wage earnings and another with salary and benefits, I would be silly not to take the higher paying job.
When I wake up each day and I choose how to use my time, I often overlook the benefit of spending time seeking God (and godliness). On average, I would say that I spend about two hours per day on making sure my physical appearance is acceptable to me. That includes hygiene, doing my hair and make-up, and exercising.
On average, I would say that I spend about 15 minutes studying God's word and praying. Now, to my credit, I often spend moments throughout the day seeking God in different ways. Even if I added those moments up, I may be spending an extra 10 minutes seeking after God.
That's an hour and thirty-five minutes short of what I spend on making sure I look good.
OUCH!
What if I matched the amount of time that I spent on keeping up appearances to the time I spent keeping up on my spiritual condition? What would God do with my heart in two hours a day?!?!?!
Chances are, if I increased my time with God, the time spent on myself would decrease. Part of that would be logistics (four kids does not allow me to spend four hours a day on only me!), but I think more importantly, my perspective would shift. Perhaps my heart would realize what Paul is telling Timothy. Perhaps my motivation would shift from "working out" to "working up."
God make me a woman who is spurred on my You. I pray you would help me to honor you with my physical appearance, but more than that, that I would honor you with the condition of my heart. Thanks for loving me on the outside (every pound) and loving me on the inside (every thought). Wow, Your love is big! I love you too and want more of you in my life. Make that true today.
Amen.
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