1 Timothy 4:8 Part 1

"godliness is profitable unto all things,"

These words are the foundation of this ministry. I read these words as a declaration to glorify Christ in whatever we do, so He will give an increase--in some way shape or form. But how can we exude godliness in all things? First, are our actions glorifying to Christ? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands us to "abstain from all appearance of evil." I can try to justify my actions all I want saying that I am reaching the lost by participating in sin, but I am fooling myself. The Bible clearly states that we need to stay away from those that do such things: "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" 2 Timothy 3:5.
I feel like there is such a fine line when it comes to the fitness industry. Racks of almost-naked people vying for public adoration are the norm. Social media is flooded by those looking for motivation but purposely filtering their photos to appear more appealing and sexy. And those spectating do not make things easier. They either encourage our vanity or declare us sinful for wanting to look our best. To be quite honest, being a Christian in the fitness world can leave us feeling deflated and feeling sinful--even if we are not. Let's go back to our verse. If we have first poured our sweat through prayer before going to the gym, then we can begin to profit from true godliness as ordained by Christ. The profit that we reap is seen through the pointing of Christ on the cross in everything we do. Each rep, each picture, each calorie needs to be surrendered to Christ; knowing that whether we see physical gain is irrelevant so long as Christ is glorified.