“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Paul’s words here contrast with bodily or physical exercise which has a much more limited profitability to a man. While it may make his body strong, it has no effect whatsoever upon his standing with God, making it a much less profitable action.

However, consider godliness. The term (eusebeia) is well defined by Vine as “piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.”

Doing what is “well-pleasing to God” is good in every way. It impacts your relationships with others, your standing with God, and your hope of eternal life. In effect, it is good for right now, and for eternity as well!

I like the phrase “Godward attitude” in Vine’s definition. Godward, looking and acting in the direction of God. That really is the definition of discipleship! One who desires to be a Christian should have as a characteristic behavior an effort to do God’s will always!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).