for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:8 (NRSV)
After completion of my studies and started working in a challenging job I discovered that most of my new co-workers went to the gym regularly and were in great shape. I was thin and underweight. I had never been to a bodybuilding gym before, nor had I ever lifted weights. However, after hearing so many stories about it at work, I half-heartedly decided to give this gym thing a try. Initially, it was exhausting, but after seeing some small gains and feeling stronger, I began enjoying it. Soon I was hooked, I was spending more and more time at the gym. I read fitness articles, focusing on nutrition and taking supplements. I also began to notice all this effort only served to increase my vanity and took my focus off of what is really important in life. By God’s grace, I discovered this verse, and by doing so it had a huge effect on me. It was like each word was shouting at me as I read them. It made me realize that I allowed another thing to become more important and take God’s place in my life. Physical training is good but it must not be our ultimate goal, nor should it distract our focus from God. We live to serve and glorify God! Through His grace, we pursue and strive for godliness and not the things of this world.

SBS