The Profit Of Godliness!

Image credit: Freepik

Scripture Text: “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.” — 1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)

Dearly beloved, life is not a playground of funfair or endless pleasure; it is a battlefield, a training ground, and a call to duty.

Every child of God must understand that the Christian walk is not for the faint-hearted or the careless. It is a call to godliness and spiritual growth, that through us, God’s Kingdom might be revealed on the earth.

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, spoke with a father’s urgency, warning the young minister not to get entangled with worldly distractions. He said, “Bodily exercise profiteth little.” He wasn’t condemning physical fitness but emphasizing that its benefit is limited to this life.

In contrast, godliness - living in reverence and obedience to God profits in every sphere, both in this present world and in eternity.Just as an athlete disciplines his body for temporal reward, the believer must discipline his spirit for eternal glory.

Godliness is not a suggestion; it is a command. It is the divine nature at work in us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions to mirror Christ. As 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…”

This means God has already made available all that we need to live godly in this present world.

But why do many believers chase the temporary and neglect the eternal? Because the world system has blinded the eyes of many to the true value of spiritual things. While physical success fades, godliness endures. True gain in life is not measured by possessions or appearances, but by how much of Christ is formed in us.

The Words of Smith Wigglesworth,

The measure of a man’s spirituality is not in his gifts, but in his godliness.

When you pursue godliness, you attract divine favor, peace, and protection that money cannot buy. Godliness carries the promise of life now; joy in adversity, peace in the storm, strength in weakness, and also the crown of eternal glory in the world to come.

Paul urged Timothy to “exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Exercise requires consistency, endurance, and sacrifice. Likewise, godliness requires constant communion with God through prayer, meditation on His Word, and obedience to His leading.

It is in this daily discipline that the believer grows from glory to glory, becoming a reflection of Christ in character and conduct.

Beloved! Let us, therefore, take heed to live consciously for God, not seeking worldly applause but eternal approval. As Colossians 3:2 instructs: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Godliness remains the believer’s greatest treasure and eternal investment.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. Are you training your spirit daily, or only your body and mind?

2. Do your daily choices reflect a pursuit of godliness or worldly gain?

3. Are you living with eternity in view, knowing that godliness pays both now and forever?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Thank You for calling me into a life of godliness and giving me all I need to walk uprightly before You.

Father, IJN: Help me to discipline my heart and mind to pursue spiritual growth above earthly gain.

Father, IJN: Let my life reflect Your divine nature in every area, that others may see Christ in me and glorify Your name.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

“Exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” — 1 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Set aside intentional time daily to build spiritual strength - through prayer, studying the Word, and obeying the Spirit’s leading.

Choose godliness in your words, work, and walk today.

Godliness is the only investment that pays both in time and eternity.