For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Summary: Does godliness have a value? It turns out that it does.
Perhaps you have heard it said that this is a “dog eat dog” world?
As gruesome as that saying is, the reality of a world without Christ is much worse. When it comes to “getting your way” in the world, the shortest distance between you and what you want is probably at the end of a good, stout club.
The Old Testament stories of one kingdom fighting another are full of horrible glimpses into what life is like when all people understand is raw power. The earliest humans became so corrupt that God was forced to resort to flooding the entire world, except for Noah and his family (Genesis 6-8).
When Christ was born, everything changed.
Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and allowed the world to crucify him. Then he rose from the dead and … he didn’t wipe us off the face of the Earth. Instead, he taught us to love one another, even as God loves us (John 13:34).
So … while physical training used to be essential for survival and ‘getting ahead,’ Jesus introduced us to a new paradigm: agapē — selfless love.
In this present life, agapē love seems counterintuitive. Yet, when we apply ourselves and love others as God loves us, miracles happen. In a way, godly love works like Aikido or Jiu-Jitsu. Instead of responding to force with force, God’s love ignores the physical and responds with kindness and forgiveness.
In the life to come, the value of godliness is less clear. Paul writes:
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)
However, Scripture does give us some clues. Jesus says, “Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail…” (Luke 12:33).
Later, Paul would describe our service to the Lord as building on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-14). He concludes with, “If what has been built survives [the test], the builder will receive a reward” (v 14).
Application: Whatever you do, do it for Jesus.
Food for Thought: What can we do that has value for God and his Kingdom?
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