by Linda Veath

I sighed and muttered “if only” as I counted warm-up laps at the fitness center. Two months earlier I’d had a very close encounter with a patch of ice, damaging my lower back and sciatic nerve. Or as a friend prefers to say, ‘my psychotic nerve.’ Thankfully nothing broke, but it hurt. Make that HURT!

After weeks of pain, I finally gave in and went to the doctor. He suggested therapy, but I told him I’d wait. Surely it would go away.

Three weeks later it was worse than ever, so I reluctantly started physical therapy. Now, six weeks after my fall, praise the Lord, the therapy has helped.

If only I had started it sooner ……

…. train yourself in godliness, for, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way since it holds promise for the present life and also the life to come. ~ 1 Timothy 4:7-8 HCSB

Physical training may help our bodies stay in shape, but it’s foolish to take care of our decaying bodies, while ignoring our spiritual lives. Just as physical therapy has helped me walk upright, spiritual training, built around the Living Word (Jesus) and the Written Word of God (the Holy Bible), helps me, and you, walk in godliness. Not only now but in the life to come.

I’m thankful for the physical therapy that helped heal my sciatic nerve and lower back. Why did I put it off so long? Likewise, why do we put off training ourselves in godliness when we can receive the benefits — both now and forever?

May we all learn to train ourselves in the way of the Lord.