Setting Personal Priorities: 1 Timothy 4:7-10
“7) … On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8) 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. 9) It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10) For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” 1 Timothy 4:7-10
We now have a great text for helping us prioritize our live. When setting up personal disciplines, place top priority on those things that lead to godliness.
Paul concludes that bodily disciplines are good and yield some benefits in this life, but godliness is profitable for all things. Building your daily walk with God has a double return. It has great benefits in this life and in the life to come.
This is comparable to Jesus in the sermon on the Mount saying; ““19) Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21) for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) Don’t consume all your time, energy and resources on here and now. This life is short, but eternity is forever. Invest in eternity.
Paul concludes in verse 10 by saying we should labor and strive with our hope fixed on God. Don’t make the mistake of being so self absorbed that you have no time or thought for serving God and others. Being self centered is a dead end road.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global