God created our bodies to have muscles. Taking our muscles for granted is easy until something happens that makes one or more of them stop working. Our muscles provide a perfect illustration of our relationship with God. When we don’t “train” our muscles, they weaken. According to Paul, the same is true for our souls.

Paul’s first-century Greco-Roman culture was well versed in physical fitness. Some of the most popular personalities of that time were the marathon runners and gladiators in the local coliseums. These men worked to train for their sport. As Paul wrote, that training had “some value.” Even the strongest men could get ill and find it difficult to run, or look the wrong way and be injured by an opponent. 

Paul then taught that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Godliness can be described as our “spiritual muscle.” The more we train ourselves spiritually, the stronger we become. Our muscle keeps us balanced and less likely to fall. Our muscle must be used if it is to remain strong. Spiritual muscle “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

The time you spend investing in God’s word and God’s work is the way you train for the race you are running. Paul used the analogy because it was instantly understood by his readers. His words have remained a perfect analogy throughout history. He taught an eternal truth when he said, “Godliness is of value in every way.” There is never a moment in our lives when godliness is not our very best choice.

Are you training your spiritual muscle as you listen to Wisdom Matters? 

Does God’s word inspire your choices, control your spiritual balance, and strengthen you for the “race” you are running? 

God’s priorities are wisdom. Staying physically strong is good; staying spiritually strong is of value in “every way.” Wisdom is training or investing effort in our spiritual muscles so we can remain balanced and be kept from falling. That priority will strengthen you for this life, and especially for life eternal.