Discipline

Discipline

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

Where do you fall on the continuum of physical exercise? Do you relate to Robert Maynard Hutchins, who said, “Whenever I feel like exercise I lie down until the feeling passes”? Or are you training for a half-marathon? I’d like to think that I fall somewhere in the middle.

I love to walk, and I do it almost 365 days a year. It helps me to feel better, think better, and fit into my clothes better. But as beneficial as physical exercise is, the truth of the Bible has borne itself out in my experience that spiritual exercise is even better. Three disciplines have impacted my life greatly:

1. Reading the Bible. My testimony to its value is not original; it’s from Psalm 119:92-93 (NIV): “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”
2. Praying. Prayer is a lifeline for me. Although I begin each day with a structured prayer time, I’m aware of God’s presence all day long and enjoy talking to him about big and little things. Psalm 34:17 assures us, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.”
3. Fellowshipping at church. Whatever degree of maturity God is growing in me is due, in part, to fellowship in his body. Ephesians 4:16 reminds us, “Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

God’s Word reminds me that being spiritually disciplined is a win-win situation. As I invest time in spiritual disciplines, I reap rewards both now and in eternity.

Father,

Thanks for comparing physical exercise with spiritual exercise, because exercise is something we can all understand. Please help us to place a high value on spiritual fitness. Amen.