God's Gym

1 Tim 4:7-8 “On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

America, through fast food and fast living, has become the “fattest” country in the world. As a result, numerous diets have gained the attention and application of millions of Americans because they claim fast weight loss. I also, in the past 5 months, have lost almost 50 pounds through changing my diet, and staying disciplined in the area of food and exercise. It works, but it takes discipline and consistency!!

Also, from the time that we learned how to read, our parents and teachers have told us that in order to be successful in life we must get an education. We start out in kindergarten and our goal is to make it through college. But in order to make it all the way through college we must discipline ourselves with good study habits. If you have poor discipline in the area study, then it is unlikely that you will make it through college.

From an early age, we are taught to take care of the mind and body in order to be successful, but few seem to care about the Spirit. In the same way that discipline in exercise and nutrition is beneficial to the body and education is beneficial to the mind; the word of God is beneficial to the Spirit. Paul tells us that “bodily discipline has some value, but godliness is valuable for all things.” The Greek word that Paul uses for discipline is gumnasia. This is where we get the English word gymnasium. We have to “work out” in the gymnasium of God everyday in order to profit Spiritually. Consistency is the key. You can’t be inconsistent on a diet and expect to see results. You can’t be inconsistent in a weight-training program and expect to gain muscle. And you can’t be inconsistent in the daily study of God’s word and expect to reach Spiritual maturity. It takes discipline. It takes consistency. Become disciplined in your study and application of God’s word and I promise that you will see results. Step into God’s gym, (His word) and work out (live God’s word) every day. The word of God is “profitable for all things” and can transform your Spiritual weakness in to Spiritual power through Spiritual discipline. Discipline, training, and consistency are the only way to profit from exercise, diet, or education, and they are the only way to profit from the word of God. Start a “work out” regimen in the Word today, stay disciplined, train consistently, and watch God increase your Spiritual strength.