That Which is Greatest

Paul in writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, informed him “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the lift that now is, and of that which is to come” 1 Timothy 4:8.  In this passage Paul makes a clear contrast between the physical and the spiritual.  The physical relates to and limited to this life, but the spiritual relates to this life and eternity, note the latter part of the verse “…having promise of the lift that now is, and of that which is to come.”

As the new year approaches, there is new year’s resolutions that will be made, many of which will be made but never adhered to.  They may relate to losing weight, getting more exercise, eating better or any number of other things.  I wonder how resolutions that are made will relate to the spiritual rather than the physical.  How much time will be given to eternity rather than the temporary.  The Christians focus are to be on the spiritual and eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 3:1, 2; Matthew 6:19, 20.  

How many will make a resolution to server the Lord rather than the devil and themselves?  When the bible declares that the world lies in wickedness 1 John 5:19 that tell one exactly who most of the world is serving.  To serve the Lord one must begin by a sincere obedience to the gospel Hebrews 5:8, 9.  This involves believing in Jesus that he is in reality the savior of the world 1 John 4:14, because of his death and resurrection Romans 4:25.  One must be willing to allow his faith to lead him to repentance (the changing of one’s mind and life) Luke 13:3, 5.  He must be willing to confess that Jesus Christ is the Sone of God Romans 10: 9, 10.  One must submit himself to baptism (immersion) for the remission of sin Acts 2:38.  Having completed his obedience he then and only then becomes a child of God Galatians 3: 26, 27 and a servant of righteousness Romans 6:18.  

How many Christians will make a new year’s resolution to be more faithful in their worship?  Some Christians act as thought cooperate worship is not necessary or important.  The attitude has developed among far too many that virtual worship or home worship by watching it on the television is just as acceptable.  But such is simply lacking in regard to biblical authority.  The bible says, “forsake not the assembling of yourselves TOGETHER, as the manner of some is,” does this sounds like one is just as acceptable as another?  The church came TOGETHER to break bread Acts 20:7.  Will the Christian make the commitment to be more faithful in their worship, not allowing unimportant things to prevent them from being faithful in their worship.  

How many Christians will make a resolution to be more devoted to bible study and prayer.  By one giving diligence and handling aright the word of truth can one present himself acceptable to God 2 Timothy 2:15.  Till the lord comes we should give ourselves to reading, exhortation and to doctrine 1 Timothy 4:13.  What about our prayer life?  Will we give ourselves continually to prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17, being confident that God is attentive to our prayers 1 Peter 3:12.  

How many Christians will give themselves to the service of others?  We should give ourselves to the service of others out of a genuine love Galatians 5:13.  If we serve God, the serving others will be a natural outgrowth.  Serving others may involve, teaching people the gospel, it may be comforting the bereaved, encouraging the weak, restoring the erring, and any other way we can encourage other.  

Will our resolutions this new year be more toward the physical or the spiritual?  It is not wrong to make resolutions regarding the physical, but there should more importance should be placed on the spiritual rather than the physical.  

Bill Cantrell