Spiritual Exercise

"...exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4: 7, 8 KJV)

In this text of scripture physical exercise is both compared and contrasted with spiritual exercise.

The Greek word for "exercise" is "gymnasia" and carries with it the idea not only of a physical "work out," but of a whole regimen of activities that are designed to increase health and quality of life, including activities related to diet, and to ascetics, and to various kinds of abstinence.

People exercise and involve themselves in gymnastics in order to stay fit and to hopefully prolong life and to have greater opportunity of doing good and for joyfully experiencing more of life.

When Paul says, of bodily exercise, that it profits a "little," it might be better translated to say that it profits for only "a little while," its benefits being short lived. Paul is not denying that there is profit and advantage in physical exercise, but simply avows that the best that can be gained from physical gymnastics is to improve things for the physical body alone and that for only a little time.

On the other hand, to exercise oneself in spiritual matters, in godliness, in heart and mind, is not only of benefit for the short term, but has everlasting benefits and consequences.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." (3 John 1: 2 NIV)

Physical exercise does not help one beyond the grave, but only avails "in this life," whereas spiritual exercise has promise and benefit for the present life, and for the life to come.

"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come (receive) life everlasting." (Luke 18: 29, 30 KJV)

Involved in spiritual exercise and mental gymnastics is the idea of repetitive use, of regular practice, and of "strict training," all with the intent of becoming more skillful in heavenly matters and stronger in spirit, healthier in the inner man; only thereby will any be able to achieve victory, and to overcome defeat, and to find success with God and spiritual self actualization.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (I Corinthians 9: 25 NIV)

"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5: 13, 14 KJV)

It is only "by reason of use" and by "exercise" that we stay strong in spirit and remain healthy in the Lord. Those who routinely practice using their spiritual gifts and abilities, their spiritual senses, become spiritually "skilled" and "trained," and healthy in mind and spirit, and strong and vibrant in their spiritual lives, developing a spiritual taste and smell, and acquiring a spiritually "trained ear" and keen spiritual vision and insight.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2: 12 KJV)

"Work out" you own salvation simply means to "stay active" in your spiritual life and growth, continuing to practice those things that will strengthen the inner man, keeping one's spiritual senses "sharp" and "alert" and from becoming "dull."

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success." (Ecclesiastes 10: 10 NIV)

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27: 17 KJV)

We must stay "sharp" in our spiritual minds and skillful in the use of our spiritual senses, developing a "trained ear," and a "keen eye," and "a nose for" things, and a "tongue" that is both tamed (James 3: KJV) and trained to speak well in spiritual matters, and able to feel and sense things on an intuitive level. We must learn to have "discerning tastes," as the children of God.

"Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?" (Job 6: 30 KJV)

Job speaks of his spiritual ability to discern things by use of a metaphor; such discernment being viewed as arising from having a spiritual "tongue" or the ability to acquire a taste for heavenly things.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." (Psalm 34: 8 KJV)

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119: 103 KJV)

Those who have developed their spiritual sense of "taste," are said to have "tasted of the heavenly gift" and "tasted the good word of God" and have also "tasted that the Lord is gracious" (Hebrews 6: 4, 5; I Peter 2: 3 KJV) A godly person is one who truly has "good tastes"!

"If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?" (I Corinthians 12: 17 KJV)

"I smell a rat!" - "Something smells rotten in Denmark" (Shakespeare). Something "smells fishy." These are all adages alluding to the gift of discernment of spirit, or of godly intuition and spiritual insight, by speaking of them metaphorically under the sense of smell. Those who have spiritual discernment and insight "have a nose for" things, for what is happening around them, for discovering hidden things.

Spiritual mental acumen, what Paul called the "spirit of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1: 7 KJV), is not only spoken of by the metaphors of having a "trained ear," and a "keen eye for things," and a "nose for" things, and an ability to feel and sense things, but an ability to use their tongues, or speaking skills in a superior way.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Proverbs 29: 18 KJV)

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound" (Psalm 89: 15 KJV).

They have a "trained ear" for the truth.

"The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them." (Proverbs 20: 12)

"For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat." (Job 34: 3 KJV)

Friend, how are your spiritual senses? Dead through inactivity? Are you unable to hear God because you are "dull of hearing" and do not have a "trained ear"? Do you fail to see things because you have not properly developed your spiritual vision?

All need to come to the Lord, who creates the senses, and seek his coaching and training.