Are You Getting Spiritually Fit?

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1 Timothy 4:6-16 "If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
As Paul continues to give counsel and advice to Timothy, he urges him to watch his life and doctrine closely.  Some false teachers were forbidding people to marry and commanding people to abstain from certain foods.  Paul says all things God has created are good and should be received with thanksgiving.  People can fast and remain single if they choose, but it is not a measure of spiritual maturity.  What these teachers were doing is called "legalism".  They were turning the gospel into the law.   
Instead Paul tells Timothy to train to be "godly".  Athletics and physical training was a cherished value among the ancient Greek and Roman culture.  So Paul uses it as a metaphor for the Christian life.  One does not grow physically fit without going into training.  No one gets in shape by sitting on the couch.  Paul says that though there is value in getting into physical shape, there is more value in becoming spiritually fit.  This is not the legalistic behaviors he is referring to earlier, but an intentional commitment to developing one's character in alignment with the way Jesus lived his life.  We can't just TALK about being a Christian, we need to PRACTICE the Christian life.  None of us are perfect, but we are to strive to become more Christlike through the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is not about TRYING harder but allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and empower your life. 
Paul says this will be of value in this life and the life to come.  Not only would Timothy be a good example to those he leads, but his life will be qualitatively better.  You see God wants us to prosper in this life, and even more in the life to come.  Notice Paul says, "holding promise" for this life and the life to come.  As we "labor" and "strive" for God, our lives will count for something here on earth than just existing and getting by. We can look forward to an even greater reward in the life to come. This is our hope and it is anchored in God's promises which are always true in Christ!  

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