“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Throughout this study we’ve stressed the importance of physical health, caring for our bodies and treating them as God’s holy temple. But if the pursuit of anything — including our own health — interferes with our relationship with God, something is wrong. The benefits of godliness aren’t limited to our health during our time on earth. Godliness has eternal value.
God does not define our success through our physical strength or abilities, nor should we. While we should use our bodies for His work, it’s through His power and provision that great things get accomplished. Think back to one of the most famous biblical stories: David and Goliath. David didn’t rely on his physical abilities to have victory over his enormous foe. Instead, he relied on God’s faithfulness to carry him to victory.
As important as our bodies are, we are not bound to them for eternity. We are to make the best out of the bodies we have on earth, but doing so knowing that it is not our final dwelling place. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Paul addresses this exact issue. We will be judged by what we do while in these earthly bodies. But as long as we are living in them, we are not yet at our final destination.
As tired or as broken as your body may feel, take comfort in knowing that God has something better for you waiting in heaven.