Jeremiah 3-5 1 Timothy 4

“Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life, too. What I say is true, and you should fully accept it.” (1 Timothy 4:8-9 NCV)

Faith grows by living and working it every day, much like strength grows when we train our bodies, or so I’ve heard. As Paul continued his exhortation to Timothy, he pointed out the need to keep serving God at every opportunity. Serving God brings great blessings now and in our future home in heaven. Paul didn’t understand blessings like modern Americans do, so I’d guess that Paul wasn’t talking about financial blessings so much as the spiritual joy we experience when someone comes to faith in Christ, or when we see someone show that God has been working in them. Imagine the joy in heaven when we see those that we’ve helped in the faith, knowing that because we were obedient to God, they experienced His presence in their lives.

For years, I used to train for athletics. I’d run, do calisthenics, and even some weight training so that I could be the best athlete possible. Apparently, my best possible never was very high. But, as I aged, asthma, arthritis, and other issues have made it difficult to train. I watch from the sidelines as other highly trained athletes display their skills. And while I’m not completely falling apart, my body shows the effects of this lack of training. Nothing prevents me from exercising and practicing my faith, though. Except me. I get lazy. I get scared of what others might think. What I’ve found, though, is that when I get in a rhythm of sharing my faith, of helping others, of showing compassion, and studying His words and His ways, it’s a lot easier to keep on doing that. And the blessings are out of this world! So, get busy!

Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of working together with You to share the gospel and to help others grow in their faith. May I always show Your love and grace to a hurting world.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.