My wife and I decided last month to start getting healthier. We’re both over sixty and have spent years working behind a desk, while largely remaining inactive. So, we joined a gym this month and for a minimal amount hired a trainer for a single session to advise us on how we should approach working out since we’re starting at square one.
I knew I wasn’t in the best of shape but boy oh boy, once we started doing lunges, planks, and push-ups, there was no question! By the end of our session our legs felt like rubber and man were we sore. I kept thinking, “How can we be so sore when we didn’t lift any weights?!”
We’re coming up on the conclusion of our second week of exercising at the gym and are very happy for our decision to get healthier physically. As I reflected on this the other day, my mind thought of the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:7–9
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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.
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
Paul’s telling Timothy that it’s good to have physical training. Physical training has value because it increases strength and improves endurance, resulting in overall better health. While Paul says physical training has some value, godliness has value for all things, therefore, train yourself to be godly.
I believe Paul says to “train yourself to be godly” because it doesn’t happen without intentional effort no more than getting physically healthier by sitting on the couch.
Getting healthier physically and spiritually happens when we make the decision to move beyond thought to action. Last night, after work, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym but I knew if I compromised my commitment to get healthier, I would regret it. I went and had a good workout and was glad I did. The same applies spiritually. We may not feel like taking the time to read the Bible, attend a worship service or have a good conversation (prayer) with God but when we do, we’ll be glad we did and more importantly, God will be glad we did.
God bless you as you get moving to be healthier physically and spiritually in 2026!
Newby Management Corporate Chaplain
Mike Bynum
941-297-9467