1 Timothy– Chapter Four XIII

by Ed Urzi

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Although he is largely forgotten among many today, physical fitness and nutritional expert Jack LaLanne was a staple of American daytime television for decades beginning in the 1950’s. Over the course of his long career, Jack LaLanne presented fitness and exercise advice to millions through the television show that bore his name. His long list of physical accomplishments were truly astounding and he was the recipient of numerous awards and honors prior to his death at age 96.

Jack LaLanne’s Wikipedia entry also reveals several interesting references that describe his life and work. Some of those references include phrases that we often associate with subjects of a religious nature. For instance…

  • “During his career, [LaLanne] came to believe that the country’s overall health depended on the health of its population, and referred to physical culture and nutrition as ‘the salvation of America.'”
  • “In his own words, he was ‘born again’, and besides his new focus on nutrition, he began working out daily…”
  • “Wearing his standard jumpsuit, he urged his audience ‘with the enthusiasm of an evangelist,’ to get off their couch and copy his basic movements, a manner considered the forerunner of today’s fitness videos.” (1)

Unfortunately, the “about” section of LaLanne’s website also concludes with a rather presumptuous statement: “…on January 23, 2011 at the age of 96, Jack LaLanne did pass away. He is now God’s personal trainer…” (2)

That brings us to our study of 1 Timothy 4:8. While Jack LaLanne’s achievements in health and nutrition undoubtedly helped many people, the benefit of his counsel did not extend beyond the limits of his earthly life. One source ties these divergent threads together with the following observation: “The benefits of bodily training are limited and transient when contrasted with the extensive and permanent benefits of godliness.” (3)

In the words of another source, “Paul did not dispute the significant medical benefits of physical exercise. ‘Limited’ means ‘for a little while’ (the benefits of exercise are only temporary). Spiritual training that produces godly character is more important since its results endure throughout the present life and in the life to come.” (4)

Thus as 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us, “Bodily fitness has a certain value, but spiritual fitness is essential both for this present life and for the life to come” (Phillips).

(1) Wikipedia, “Jack LaLanne” Retrieved 21 December, 2020 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_LaLanne

(2) jacklalanne.com, “About” Retrieved 21 December, 2020 from http://jacklalanne.com/about/

(3) Ryrie, Charles Caldwell, Ryrie Study Notes, [1 Timothy 4:8] © 1986, 1995 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Database © 2004 WORDsearch Corp

(4) Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., & Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1804). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Image Credit: Jack LaLanne, Photographer: Cliff Riddle, Hollywood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jack_LaLanne_1961.JPG