Word for the Day January 2
By: Evang. Cascille Hammack
"For physical training is of some value,
but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8
At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions
to take better care of their physical bodies and begin exercising and eating better. Many times people stay committed
to this resolution and can see positive results in thier outward appearance. But what is the appearance of the spiritual
condition?
Psalm 39:5 says, "You have made
my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Jesus
said in John 6:63, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and
they are life." Our lives here are fleeting, but our spirits will live eternally in heaven or hell. True
life is found in Christ and it is never ending. Too much time is spent toiling for things that do not last and
wasting the time God has given us to serve Him while we are here. Instead of becoming strong spiritually, many spend
their times becoming strong physically and financially and it all passes away.
The spiritual body is eternal. To become strong in our spiritual bodies, we must
spend time in God's Word and in prayer before Him. The greatest place of strength is on our face before Him. For
then He can fill us with His power and enable us to run the race set before us. Not only does it strengthen us to
overcome in this life and accomplish all He has sent us here to do, but it is eternal.
It is good to take care of your physical body that
holds your spirit, but it is even more beneficial to be "strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians
6:10) by strengthening your faith in Him by reading His Word and spending time in in His presence. Then you will know what
He wants you to do and as you do it, your reward will be eternal. What is the state of your spiritual body? Commit
this year to draw near to Him and become strong in Him and filled with His Spirit.
"Draw
near to God and He will draw near to you..." James 4:8