1Ti 4:7 "but refuse profane and old wives' fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness. . ."
Rumors, spurious teachings, distractions of every kind. Plethora are the objects that can take our attention away from the Word of God and Jesus. That is why we are told we must "exercise". Not the kind of physical training or even drudgery that occurs when one thinks of exercise. Not to say there is not work involved, but exercise of the spiritual sort brings love, joy, peace and many other fruits of the Spirit. And this is not just the result of a well-tuned spiritual physique, it is the result of moments spent with Jesus and is efficacious the moment we begin anew with Him!
Wesley comments on the idea of spiritual exercise:
"Like those who were to contend in the Grecian games, exercise thyself unto godliness - Train thyself up in holiness of heart and life, with the utmost labour, vigour, and diligence" (Wesley on 1 Timothy 4:7).
Such a spiritual focus takes labour, vigour and diligence as Wesley notes but it brings so much to the heart and life that to leave off spiritual exercise is really to leave off entering into the peaceful time with Jesus. And once that time is left off consistently, then we all know the results: spiritual weakness and gospel hindrance. Yet, once we choose to consistently enter into this exercise of godliness it is like the one who enters the Olympic (or in Paul's time the Grecian) games. We don't quit. We may have set-backs but the goal is before us and we go for it. We Go for Gold!
However, such a pursuit is not just for our own benefit. We are told that we do not exercise our faith or spend time with Jesus just to for ourselves. In Acts of the Apostles it is stated:
"Not for wages are they to labor, but because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel" (AA 361).
Because we cannot do otherwise. Because we realize there is woe or a tragic result if we do not daily train with Jesus and exercise our faith on behalf of others. What is the tragedy of an un-exercised spiritual life? Many will be lost whom could have been saved through our personal influence. And perhaps we too could suffer spiritually due to our inactivity on behalf of others (see Matthew 25).
Overall, as one month turns into another and Summer draws near, I pray that we can all keep, regain or choose to begin a focus on Jesus each day. It will strengthen us, bring the peace that only Jesus gives, and then empower us to share with those around us. If you need a tool to help with this, check out the other blog entry "Epic Resources". May the Lord guide us as we exercise!