Train to be fit

NORSK
When Paul yesterday gave the challenge: “train yourself to be godly!”, I am convinced that he was thinking about what we can learn from physical exercises and training. On several occasions Paul used images and terminology from the sports-arena (1), and today he continues:

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.
1 Tim 4:8  

Although I have never been overly interested in sports or have been in the category of the “well-trained”, I have always tried to do some exercises for the benefit of my physical condition. It is certainly "of some value", not least because my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (2), but also because the principles of good physical training programme are compatible with the principles for training in "godliness".

Here are some examples:

• The effect of a daily dose of training is greater than one single large dose per week.
• Training can be pleasurable, but it is important to exercise even when it does not feel like a pleasure
• Exercise requires more discipline in the beginning, but gets easier when it becomes a habit.
• Variation of training can improve the results.
• Regular training together with others enhances performance
• To keep a training log will support your progress.
• Many athletes benefit from having a personal trainer.

‘Manna’ for today:

Training in godliness “has value for all things”.

--------------------------------------------
(1) E.g. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24  -  NB More references will come later in this series

(2) 1 Cor 3:16-17