Bodily fitness has a certain value, but spiritual fitness is essential both for this present life and for the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8
On the left side you have the Body. On the right side you have the Spirit. In between them you have Gymnasia…the place of exercise, and “training naked”.
Both Body and Spirit have to be put into the Gym in order for the full potential of each to be realised.
By the way, Body (Somatikos) is bigger than just your physical body. It’s that which has a bodily form or nature. So if it’s got a physical form, it has to be exercised.
And yes, Bodily exercise does have value.
Just think of how your Body would change if you did 1,000 push ups every day for the next year.
Think also of how your Body of work would be transformed by writing 1,000 words per day, painting a new picture each day, writing a new song every week etc.
And then imagine what would happen if you applied at least the same effort to exercising your Spirit.
Meditation, Expectation, Confession, Praise, Prayer, Worship, Forgiveness, Thanksgiving, Bold Declaration, Speaking To Mountains, Confidence, Single-mindedness, Rejoicing…these are the push ups, situps, barbells and treadmills of your Spirit.
Use at least as much effort as it takes to do 1,000 push ups…and you’ll be amazed at the results you experience.
Now and in the life to come.
Selah.