Physical and spiritual training

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Think of how much time we devote to our physical fitness and appearance – washing, eating, working out, preening ourselves. For some people, keeping fit and looking beautiful have become their reason for living, their sole purpose in life. We know this shouldn’t be the case for a Christian. Here’s the question: do we give our spirit the same degree of attention as we do our body? We might go to the gym to work out, but are we reading commentaries and studying the Word of God, to strengthen our spiritual muscles? We might spend hours in front of the mirror, fixing our hair and putting on makeup (maybe not the latter for guys, but you never know) – but do we take the time to reflect on our character development, which is the measure of spiritual beauty (1 Pet. 3:4)?
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t spend time on our physical body. Our verse today states that physical training is indeed of some value. If we are physically fit, we will enjoy a healthy life, which is itself a blessing from God. The question is, is our focus on it detracting from us spending time with the Lord in prayer, reading and studying His Word, and being among His people. After all, godliness – spiritual fitness and maturity – has value both in our present lives and the life to come.