11/02/2020
We run races for exercise, and keep our bodies fit by eating well, and doing those things that are good for us, so that by doing this we might add a few short years to our lives, but when we do spiritual exercises in which our belief is helped, and our faith is strengthened, then we add all of eternity to our lives. The question becomes; which is of more value to us, our godliness, or bodily training?
“for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8 ESV
George Swinnock was a nonconformist clergyman who died in 1673 at the he age of forty six. During his short life he wrote a five volume set of his works, and seven books on faith, and subjects of faith, including one titled “Trading and Thriving in Godliness”. Listen to this particular thought on godliness...
“The body came from dust, but the soul from the breath of God. Soul-work is weighty work and not to be trifled with. It is the business of every man. Take godliness away, and the soul goes down to the grave with unspeakable sorrow.” - George Swinnock
When considering Pastor Swinnock’s short life we might be inclined to think that it ended too soon, and was thus unfulfilled, but when we take into account the volume of his writing, and in particular his books on the subject of godliness, we see that his life had been spent training in godliness for a coming eternity. He wasted little time in vanity as he trained his body, but placed a great deal of effort into preparing his soul. George Swinnock’s soul did not go down in sorrow.
“and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7-8 ESV
So where do we as children of God, and disciples of Christ, put forth our efforts? Do we spend a great deal of our time each day trying to add a few months, or years, to our lives, or the greatest of our efforts on preparing ourselves for eternity? Jesus asked two questions that each of us should ask ourselves every day. Our answer to them will determine the importance, and value we place on spending eternity with Him...
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26 ESV
So, are we physical, or spiritual, athletes? Do we train our bodies in an effort to hold tight to a few more days of youth, or condition our souls for an eternity in the kingdom of God? Let’s concentrate on these thoughts today as we tally the worth we place on our bodies and souls.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the bodies you have given us. Some are magnificently strong, while others are lame, or disabled, but all of them are miracles in their own way. Yet despite their magnificence Father, we thank you most for the life, which is our soul, that you breathed into us at the moment of creation, and conception. Our body for this world, and day, and our soul which is destined for eternity. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit who is with us, but tells us that our souls yours, and yours alone. We praise you Father with every prayer we lift up to you, and with our love for you that spills like a sweet oil from our innermost places, our hearts. All glory is yours Lord, and every good thing that you prompt us to do, your will, sings to creation of your goodness, love, and grace. You are merciful Father, and in the bosom of Christ we find your peace and joy forever. Lift us from the places we have fallen Lord, and wash us clean with the blood of Jesus, so that in your presence our judgement will be His, and our redemption complete. Seat us at your table Father, and feed our souls with the fatted lamb of your Word. Our souls are yours Lord, and we offer them back to you; made perfect in Christ. Let no sin remain that would bring us to face death, or cause you displeasure in any way.
“Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.”
Ezekiel 18:4 ESV
Rich Forbes