TIMOTHY was a young man. who had been brought up in a God-fearing home and had been taught to read the holy Scriptures from his early childhood. Moreover he not only knew the Scriptures, but he sought to practice what he knew, for he was well spoken of by all who were acquainted with him (Acts 16: 1-3). One day when Paul wanted a companion to travel with him in his service for the Lord, Timothy decided to go, and, no doubt, Paul was happy to have such a young man with him. These journeys were accompanied by many hardships and suffering for the name of Christ, but Timothy counted it a privilege to be "a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." 2 Tim. 1: 8.
Some years later Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God, wrote two letters, or epistles, to Timothy and we would encourage all our readers to read them prayerfully and often. They are the only-epistles which are addressed particularly to a young man (1 Tim. 4: 12) , and since we ourselves are young, as Timothy was, surely they are of deep interest to us.
There are a few verses in 1 Timothy 4 which are very instructive, and it might be profitable to look at them. This Month we will look at verse 8: "For -bodily exercise profiteth little (for a little time,' margin) : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
Timothy had once had some strenuous "bodily exercise" of a godly sort when he traveled with Paul on his long journeys, but there are few who would choose this kind of exercise. It means that we must "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," and the flesh does not like such a path. No doubt Timothy's "oft infirmities" made it very difficult for him too, and some may have suggested that he take up some other "bodily exercise." At any rate it was apparently being talked about among the Christian young people in those days. Paul therefore told Timothy that such would only profit "for a little time." Of course we need hardly remark that the Scripture tells us not to neglect our bodies (Col. 2:2323Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. (Colossians 2:23)) , but God would have us put first things first. Bodily exercise has its place, if found in a godly way, but there is something about bodily exercise in the way of sports, which is very liable to take a great hold upon us as young people, and we have to watch against this. Paul said, "All things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." 1 Cor. 6:1212All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12). When we find anything of this world, though right in its place, assuming an important place in our lives, let us watch that we do not get under its power.
But how different the path of godliness! In it we have the promise of God's blessing in this life, as well as in the life to come. Yes, godliness is profitable unto all things. Now if bodily exercise is only profitable for this life, and godliness is profitable for both, let us choose the better part! Let us seek the Lord and His interests and He will take care of us. He will bless us abundantly in this life and reward us abundantly in the next. He is too rich to be our debtor in anything, and He delights in our blessing.
Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1949