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?
What can we do that has value for God and his Kingdom?
Do the work that bears good fruit. An act, or acts, done in earnest and humble service to God, rooted in love, is blessed by His Spirit, and grows to bear good fruit for generations. An act, or acts, like this glorifies God and through it, God blesses mankind. The labor does not build up the laborer, rather the laborer works to build up His Body. The good fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Spirit cultivates this fruit within us, and then just as real fruit, we go forward and plant those same seeds in the lives of others through Christ. I think God and His Kingdom values this work because it is the work of redemption that transforms present and future lives.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.
Chris,
Nicely said! As I read your comment I realized that “building up the body” is a bit of a double entendre. We train to build up our own bodies, but we also work to build up the body of Christ.
Thank you!
Just adding a couple of thoughts into what CH stated so well.
Jesus did give us some commands dealing with eternal what has eternal value in His eyes.
Acts 1: 8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28: 19 – 20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
2 Timothy 2: 2: And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Thank you, Rich!
Great verses!!
What can we do that has value for God and his Kingdom?
In our Own Strength, Nothing!
1.) At Creation, God declared all His creation as Good.
A.) And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:10
B.) And it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31
C.) And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:12
D.) And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:18
E.) And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:21
F.) And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:25
2.) All the Goodness of Gods creation were on display for all to see.
A.)The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalms 19:1
B.)For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
C.) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
3.) God requires His creation meet His standard for righteousness rather than allowing substandard performance on the part of His creation to lower His standard.
A.) The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:11
B.) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
C.)Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
4.) Matthew 25:31–46, All creation will be reviewed for their individual conduct toward weaker brothers and receive eternal fire prepared for the evil, while the righteous are given eternal life
Thank you, Ron.
God’s Goodness is absolute. Thankfully his mercy is absolute, too.