We live in a society fascinated with the human body. Diets and cooking approaches abound, teaching people how to cook all natural. Magazine covers, television shows, and movies show off bodies that must be modeled after the Greek gods and goddesses.
My family enjoys the Marvel movie series, The Avengers, and the D.C. comic book show, The Flash. They use actors with bodies as tight as the Mississippi River is long. Trying to teach my children discernment, I exhort, “Remember, that’s not the real world. Those men may spend thirty hours a week in the gym just to get their bodies in that condition so they can film a few scenes with their shirts off for a few weeks.”
I did get a YMCA membership this year, and my goal is to work out three times a week. But I succumbed to the reality that my body will never look like Captain America’s. Oh well. My wife and kids love me just the same. Yesterday, my barber, noticing my bald spot, kindly said, “I’m going to leave it a little longer right there because we have a situation to cover.” Now my body has become a situation!
The Bible says, “For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 6:8 CSB).
Paul reminds us to put physical training in perspective. It is wise to be healthy, but God does not want us obsessed with our bodies. Character matters most. The Bible says, “godliness is beneficial in every way.” It influences our relationships, families, careers, and legacy. It brings God glory here and for eternity. So, Paul writes, “train yourself in godliness.” Work at it. Plan for it. Discipline your life to achieve it.
Charles Stanley writes, “Name me something that is of great value that it does not demand and require discipline to achieve it.”
Godliness will benefit you and your family much more than tight abs.
