The next bite-sized bit of wisdom is as follows:

“… Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” – 1 Timothy 4:7-9 (NKJV)

Bodily exercise profits.  Many of us (including myself) can use more bodily exercise than we normally get.  It makes our years in this body more enjoyable and can give us more years to enjoy.  Still, we’ll only get so many of those years.  The rewards of bodily exercise are temporary at best. 

On the other hand, there is exercise leading to godliness.  Like the physical kind of exercise, spiritual exercise takes a little work or discipline, especially at first.  We need to develop beneficial behaviors to fill the void left by the behaviors that offered no benefit – helpful habits to replace the ones that never really helped.

Once the habits are in place an interesting thing happens: they feel good.  When I don’t get enough exercise, my body craves it.  The workout releases stress and is followed by a reassuring sense of comfort and calm.  The same happens spiritually.  Doing the right thing feels good while sin feels terrible.  Bible reading is a joy; prayer an encouragement.  Time in fellowship with other believers is fun while sharing my faith excites me as I never might have guessed.

Best of all, an investment in godliness brings eternal returns.