DAILY DEVOTION, April 2, 2021

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8).

I have spent the last ten years going to cardiac rehabilitation 2 or 3 times a week to exercise. My doctors believe it will help strengthen my heart. Paul says that such exercise does profit us (a little), but another activity is far more important. Our English translation uses the word “godliness,” (eusebeia in Greek). It is a word that denotes devotion to God characterized by a life conformed to God’s will. Living a godly life benefits us in two ways.

First, godly living impacts our present earthly life. God blesses us when we conform to His will. Disobeying God will never bring blessings. Godliness is proof that our faith is real. We do love and trust Jesus, and as a result, we desire to live a godly life.  

It also impacts the life to come in eternity. We do not live godly lives to earn our salvation. Eternal life is a gift given to all who trust in Jesus. Godly living does, however,  earn rewards in heaven. We don’t know precisely what these rewards consist of, but the more faithfully we serve Jesus, the greater our rewards.

The bottom line is simply this: godliness is profitable. No matter how much physical exercise we do, we will one day die. Godly living will profit us both in this life and in the life to come.

Father, I must confess that my godly living is imperfect. Help me to realize that the practice of faithfulness is profitable both now and in eternity.  May my life conform more and more to Your will, in Jesus name, amen.