Getting Fit
GETTING FIT
Read 1 Timothy 4:6-13.
Ryan came inside after jogging a few miles. His face was covered with sweat. “Wash up, Ryan. Dinner is ready,” Dad said.
After supper Ryan announced his plans for the evening—more running. Dad frowned. “You’ve been spending more than enough time training for the track meet,” he said. “As a matter of fact, Son, you’ve been neglecting your other responsibilities.”
“Yes,” added Mom. “I’m concerned about your devotional life. Weren’t you going to spend more time reading the Bible this year?”
Ryan looked down at the floor. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have a strong body, is there?” he asked quietly.
“Not at all,” Dad replied. “But a healthy body is only part of a complete person. In the Bible Paul wrote often of running races and training our bodies.”
“He did?” Ryan looked up, his eyes wide with interest.
“Yes. He wrote to Timothy that physical exercise is important but that spiritual exercise is the most important,” replied Dad. “Just as you work hard to get physically fit and build up your muscles, so you must work at living God’s way to build up your Christian life. You need to practice such things as reading the Bible, praying, and telling others about Jesus. It takes hard work.”
Ryan thought about his dad’s words. Then he nodded and smiled. “Okay, Dad,” he said. “I’ll try to balance my devotions, chores, homework, and track.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a special activity that takes too much of your time? Perhaps you play sports, watch TV, or have a pet with which you spend your free time. Maybe you spend a lot of time with your best friend. Whatever you do, be sure you don’t neglect your time with God.
TO MEMORIZE:
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
1 Timothy 4:8
GET SPIRITUAL EXERCISE.
From the book
