Western culture is obsessed with the human body. Diet plans, health club memberships, organic foods, and yes even plastic surgery is on the rise. The Apostle Paul  would write; “…for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.” [1 Timothy 4:8-9 NASB].

Paul is not discounting the value of physical exercise and healthy care for the body. Paul acknowledges the benefit of physical training to keep the body healthy. Paul is pointing out temporal value of physical exercise as compared to the eternal value of spiritual training. Sports was well established in biblical times. The city of Corinth hosted the Isthmian Games – a precursor of sorts to the now famous Olympic Games.

The winners would be crowned, receive public acknowledgement, and have their name engraved on the fortress wall of the city. The point of Paul was not to dismiss physical activity as to say it has NO value at all. It is to say that it does not have the same value as spiritual preparation that carries eternal rewards. The “trustworthy statement” is the eternal worth of godliness over temporal worth of physical fitness.

So what is the ultimate prize for pastoral leaders today? Having a Godly congregation is far more important than many of things that we vest ourselves in today. It is not to say that programs, gimmicks, video productions, music productions, etc are not important. It is to say that when measured against godliness, godliness is to be preferred over all else. Godliness trumps everything!

 What are your thoughts on this passage by Paul to Timothy? What do you say is the ultimate prize for Pastors? Leave a comment below and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner. If this article has spoke to you share it with your social media tribe. Here is a FREE gift for you for spreading the word about Shepherds Advantage:

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