Practice, Practice, Practice

“The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

The apostle Paul was an incredible servant of God. In spite of his shortcomings, he accomplished great things for the kingdom. We read the stories of his life and say, “I could never be like Paul.” Are we sure about that? It appears that Paul would disagree with those who have that attitude. He tells believers to “be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; cf. 4:16; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). We are to be like Paul as he was like Christ.

How do we become like Paul? PRACTICE. As the opening verse of the article says, we take the things we have learned about godly living and service from the life of Paul and then PRACTICE those things. In most cases, we won’t be good at them at first, but with REPETITION we will improve. Some activities and attitudes will be unfamiliar and difficult initially, but will become easier with USE.

Why is it that we extol the virtues of practice in every other area of our lives, but when it comes to Christian living and service, we are comfortable with our excuses? “I just not any good at that.” Then practice until you become better at it. “I can’t do it.” Then practice until you can. “It is just too difficult.” Then practice until it becomes easier.

Ted Williams, baseball superstar of 40's & 50's was known as a "natural hitter." Once he was asked about this natural ability and replied, "There is no such thing as a natural born hitter. I became a good hitter because I paid the price of constant practice, constant practice" (Ted Engstrom, The Making of a Christian Leader, p. 95).

Don’t settle for mediocrity and excuses. Be all that God created you to be. With God’s help, all it takes is practice, practice, practice!

God loves you!
Mike