“for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (New American Standard Bible)

There was a time in my life when exercise played a very large role in my daily routine.  I ran daily, normally at least six miles, sometimes even longer.  My body was fit enough that I could enjoy the time outdoors, often times praying or singing praises in my head to the rhythmic sound of my feet.   This would definitely not be my experience if I were to go out running today.

With camp coming up soon, we are taking time each day to try to incorporate more exercise into our schedule.  This way we will be more ready for the physical rigors of hiking, dancing, and even walking around the camp facility (did I mention it is on a rather steep hill?)  Almost every day, weather permitting, we have gone for walks around our home.  Sometimes they have taken us to town so that we can purchase necessities.  Other times, they take us through the beauty of the surrounding hills.  But one thing is clear, with each walk, we are more prepared for the energy levels of camp.

But there is something that is much more important than physical training: godliness. Godliness is beneficial for both now and our eternity with God.  But what is godliness?  The word Paul uses could be literally translated as “well-revering.”  Godliness is a heart response that express itself as a reverence for God.  Piety.

Peter tells us that God has already given us everything we need for a godly life (a life of revering God).  It starts by recognizing that Jesus has cleansed us from our past sins. Yet we are also to continue adding more godliness to our lives with diligence (2 Peter 1:3, 5-8).  In other words, though we are given everything we need for godliness, we need to train ourselves to be effective with it.  What does that look like practically?

For me, one of the best times to cultivate godliness, much like my past days of running, is while out for walks outside.  Surrounded by God’s amazing creation, I reflect on His word, pray, thank God for who he is and all he has done, and yes, break out into the occasional song of praise.

Prayer Requests:

• Health for the Sandys in the Czech Republic, and the rest of the team as they prepare for travel to the Czech Republic
• That Doug has no more painful flare ups and that he is able to successfully pass his kidney stone
• Remaining details for Czech English camp as we work together with the Czech team.
• That Christ would be glorified in and through the partnership between Family Bible Church and Církve bratrské v Českém Těšíně (the Czech church) this summer.