“… Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7,8)
How great an emphasis we place on the body. We look on and glory in the outward appearance. We elevate people who “look good” to a godlike status. Our worship of beauty equates flawless skin, a pearly white smile, and baby blue eyes with innate goodness. But Jesus told us that the outside of the cup could be clean and beautiful while the inside was defiled with all manner of corruption. According to Paul, all that is meant to enhance the body has but “little” profit for us.
Where then should our focus be? What should we want developed in our life? The “hidden man of the heart” is of “great price” in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4). There, apart from men’s eyes, we should exercise ourselves unto godliness. Godliness means little to men, but is greatly valued in the eyes of God. It is a life that worships Him in spirit and in truth. It is what He is looking for from a people He has created for His glory and praise.