1 Timothy 4:8

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

I am reminded by this verse today that I really do need to take a look at where I spend my time and energies and make some modifications. I have been really careful the past few weeks about what I eat and have also been working out regularly as I have a 5k race coming up. There was a time a few weeks ago when I was easily spending more than 3 hours a day either working out or planning my workouts. This may sound healthy, until I put it up against my spiritual workouts and compare the two. You see, on a good day I will spend about 15-20 minutes reading my Bible, about 10-15 writing about it, and then maybe throughout the day I will pray for 20 minutes. This inequity really does cause lots of problems for me, my mouth begins to take on a life of its own, as does my thought life. No wonder I can’t keep my mouth or thoughts in line, they are starved, and therefore feeding on the leftover junk instead of being fed a decent diet of The Word.

This verse in 1 Timothy is a good reminder that while it is good to be health conscious, it is absolutely not more important than my spiritual life. So what is a working person with limited free time to do? I suggest cutting out the things that just don’t matter, like that TV show you won’t remember next month, or the book that can wait another day or two. Another thought that I think has merit is that I could use my workout time to multi-task. I do treadmill running for the most part and the occasional free weight training, and while I am doing either of these I could put on Praise and Worship music and use this time to worship my Maker. I could also put on some quiet jazz or classical music and use this time to work through my prayer requests.

How about it, what do you need to give up or modify so that you can spend more time focusing your heart and mind on God?

Father, show me ways today how I can include you more in my daily life. Also, help me be careful not to make my body image (real or imagined goal weight) an idol that in anyway hinders my relationship with you. Help me to be thankful for the nourishment you provide. Show me ways to focus more on you and others than I do myself.