Spiritual Well-Being

Scriptures: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ….” (I Timothy 4:8)

After stepping through the threshold of 50, an annual physical examination has become a mandate for me from my doctor. This year’s report added a couple of more items to my prescriptions, daily exercise and diet, as my cholesterol level, especially the triglyceride, is very high.

I am grateful that these physical examinations are available to review our physical conditions for identification of problems through all kinds of measures. I am also grateful that, for many of these problems, solutions are readily available. The identification of problems is only the first step. The identification and execution of the proposed solutions are critical to living healthy.

Paul understood the importance of physical health, too. That’s why he did not deny the value of physical training. But, compared with godliness, physical training only brings us some value. Why? I believe there are 3 reasons. First of all, the focus of physical fitness is for us. But the focus of godliness is for God. We are called to be “imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) God is to be the center of our lives. As much as physical training can help us physically, it does not train us in centering our lives on God, our Lord.

Secondly, the benefits of physical fitness are good only for a while. But the benefits of godliness are good for eternity. We are all mortal beings and, for that, this body we have today is just a vessel for the manifestation of us in this materialistic world for the duration God set forth for us. One day, our physical health will all deteriorate and eventually leave us. But the godly character built through the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus will last forever for it is the character of God and will abide in the spiritual life born of the Holy Spirit forever.

And thirdly, physical fitness has little impact on one’s spiritual life. But godliness not only has impact on one’s own spiritual life, it may also touch and transform other’s spiritual lives. Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6) As such, the realms of influence are different also. Working out help a person to be physically strong and, in the process, often promotes pride and self-reliance. These things are counter-productive to our spiritual growth. Godliness, on the other hand, aims at enhancing our faith and reliance on God for His guidance and providence. It help bring out the glory and holiness of God and reveal them to those spiritually immature and to those who have not yet known our Lord Jesus. It is the character and life style pleasing to God that He can use to touch and transform people.

Just like having the annual physical examination is critical to our physical well-being, it is of vital importance that we have our spiritual examination often too. God has blessed us with His word in the bible through which our minds, hearts and thoughts may be examined for identification of any sin and ungodliness in our lives. He has also sent His Spirit to dwell in us to help guide and assist us through our life-long journey. He is in fact our personal spiritual trainer.

May God help us so we may be open to His leading and enlightenment so we can continuously improve our spiritual health!

Prayer Requests:
Those who are struggling with their spiritual growth.

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending the Comforter to our lives to help and to guide us. We ask that You open our minds and hearts to His leading and instructions so we may live as “imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!