Like so many, I'm making more of an effort than usual to get a good dose of daily exercise. For years, I've tried to walk several miles a day and during these past weeks I have lengthened the route of my daily walk to our church building to make sure I get the steps in. I've also dusted off my old bike, lubricated its chain set and started cycling again, enjoying the fine weather and quieter roads. I suppose because the gyms are shut for now, many people are exercising outdoors... I have to be honest and say I find it both entertaining and educational to see the sheer variety of forms of exercise that are on public display at the moment.

It may come as a surprise to those who think the Bible is of no relevance to normal life, but it does pass comment on the place of physical exercise in life. And for those who think it only talks about 'spiritual' things or how we should behave, it will come as more of a surprise to know that it passes favourable comment on keeping fit. Paul, the Apostle, writes to his younger colleague in Christian ministry, Timothy, that 'physical training is of some value' (1 Timothy 4:8). Paul was clearly a keen observer of life and culture in his day, including sport - think about the ancient Olympic games or the sporting arenas still to be seen today in the ruins of many ancient cities. He refers, for example, to athletics, to the discipline of training for contest and the need to compete according to the rules.

In reading the Bible it is always important to read it carefully to make sure we get the point. Paul did indeed say, 'physical training is of some value', but he didn't say it is of ultimate and exclusive value, as though nothing else matters for our health and well-being. In our day, we are encouraged to look after our physical health and our mental health but, sadly, little thought is given to spiritual health. I say sadly because, in the end, that matters more than anything else. However well, or not, we care for our physical and mental well-being there is one thing certain - we all will die and will have to face God's holy judgement. Unless our spiritual 'health' has been sorted out then that leaves us with the terrifying prospect of condemnation and punishment. Nothing could be more relevant than that. Going back to what Paul said, his full comment is that '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.' In other words, we need godliness above all else because that will put us in the right place with God, and not just for this life but for the life and world which is to come. Godliness? There's only one way to obtain that, which is to repent of our sin and to trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. In other words, to become a true Christian.