If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. – 1 Timothy 4:6-10
Dear Jesus,
My culture is addicted to self improvement. Diets, exercise programs, and self-help books are everywhere. I like the blessing you have brought to all of us through these things because they teach us to take better care of ourselves. But two things they do not do: 1) they do not make us live forever through grace and 2) they do not supply the proper motivation. Very healthy people can maintain that health for selfish vain reasons. People who exercise can judge those who don't. Give me the godliness of grace that leads me to take better care of myself while resting in the security of my acceptance from you. Help me not to exploit any success I have at better health by using it for a reason to be prideful in myself. Help me exercise love even more than my muscles.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
Godliness produced by grace makes us do the right things for the right reasons at the right pace.