Investments in the body can only bring little profit because it is perishing every day.
Our society struggles for acceptance. We compare ourselves to those around us and struggle to emulate the celebrities we see paraded on television as a symbol of perfection. This comparison makes us want to improve our outward appearance, but the Bible has something to say about superficial appearances.
Physical exercise only has a slight benefit, but the pursuit of the Lord profits all things in our lives. The world weighs value in the outward appearance and the pursuit of such things. The Lord weighs our value in Christ and the understanding of Him in all aspects of our life.
Our value is not weighed in how many times we go to the gym or our ability to develop a six pack. The value of who we are is rooted in the immeasurable love of the Lord. Bodily exercise can only bring temporary satisfaction, but the hunger of the soul cries for more than what the body can offer.
Our soul hungers for the understanding of the Lord and the vigorous pursuit of Him. We must build our acceptance of the value of the Lord and pursue Him before we seek anything else. Being healthy is a righteous pursuit, but to rely on our own strength to get us through life is foolishness in God’s eyes.
The Lord sees us in the measurement of weight not stature. Goliath was a giant while David was a small young man. In the natural realm, Goliath’s strength would have been envied by those around him, but God weighed David differently. God had invested in David’s soul. Even though his outward appearance was weak compared to the giant, David was the stronger one in the battle.
The Lord uses our weaknesses for His ultimate glory. Our outward appearance has nothing to do with our destiny or our inner strength. People will judge our outward appearance, but God has already granted us righteousness in our soul. Our investment must be in the soul first because the soul is the only thing in us that will live forever.
You are righteous, holy, redeemed, qualified, satisfied, and perfectly loved by the Lord. Pursue God and find out for yourself.
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Josh Clevenger is the pastor of Cory Zion Church in Cory, Indiana. He is a husband, father, pastor, author, and evangelist. Josh has numerous books in publication, along with an active outreach ministry. He wants people to feel connected to God’s grace and experience the comfort of His mercies. Follow Josh Clevenger Ministries to get daily encouragement from the Lord.