1 Timothy 6:17

1 Timothy 6:17

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

It’s no secret, I love to exercise. I enjoy the pain, I dig the fatigue, and I appreciate the sense of accomplishment once the workout is complete. It provides me with a sense of value, as if affirming that I did something worthwhile that day. And it serves as a tremendous stress relief, which helps make me a better person for others to be around. I will admit, the idea of not being able to exercise in some manner is a pretty scary thought for me. At times I wonder what life would be like if for some reason I was no longer able to exercise. If I were sick or paralyzed, and could no longer enjoy the activity I have come to love, would I be the same man? Or am I so deeply rooted in the enjoyment of exercise that the devil would easily seize the opportunity to drag me into darkness? In the text above in first Timothy, Paul is speaking caution to us about putting our hope in things that are not worthwhile. We are all tempted to put our hope in various things apart from God…be it our job title, our relationships, our health, our bank accounts, our social status, or our ability to exercise…we all get pulled in one direction or another. And while these things hold value and are blessings given to use by our Lord for our enjoyment, they are not to be what we are to put our hope in. We live in a broken world, a world wrecked with sin, destruction, and uncertainty. And as such, we really have no idea what is to come with each new day. We don’t know if a layoff will take that job that we love so much…we don’t know if disease will strip us of our good health…we don’t know if the devil is going to dissolve a cherished relationship. The uncertainty and instability of this world can change absolutely everything in an instant. But there remains one thing that cannot be changed…there remains just ONE thing that stands firm with each rising and setting of the sun…there remains just ONE thing that cannot be shaken or broken by the schemes of the devil or the ways of this messed up world. That ONE thing is the love we have from our Creator…that ONE thing is the hope and promise the Father has given us through his Son. Everything else in this world is temporary…everything else has an expiration date that we cannot extend. There may come a day when I can no longer exercise like I do today, and I pray that when that day comes I may still be able to find enjoyment, hope, and peace in each day. I pray that in the current day, the Lord would work to refine me, to ensure that my hope truly is in Him, and not my physical abilities. May the Lord daily work in all our lives, continuously refocusing our steps on him, ensuring that no matter what, that we never lose sight of the hope, joy, and peace found ONLY in Him. To God alone be all glory and honor!