Practice makes Perfect

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)

This is such a humbling passage of Scripture to me.  I’ve read it many times and every time my heart is convicted.  I would love to say, “Sure whatever I say, or do, or teach, or think, and every attitude I have… All of it you can follow and practice in your own life!”  But the sad truth is I can find fault with many areas in my life.  There are times when my attitude needs an adjustment.  Times when words flow too freely out of my mouth.  Times when I should be learning and not teaching.  Times when my thought process doesn’t quite reflect the beauty of God’s Word.  Yes, and there are even times I do things I’m not too proud of.

Sure I could go and rationalize all these things away and say they’re not so bad.  Can’t we all?  I’m sure you’ve thought to yourself…”As long as I only think these things, I’m okay!”  Well, that’s not true!  Others may not hear it, but God does.  Not only that, your thoughts do tend to affect your attitude and your words.

I know my heart keeps thinking about our responsibility to be a light no matter what, no matter where, and no matter when.  In the verse above, Paul was so confident about the way he was living for God that he could truly say these words.  What will it take for us to get there?  How will we become totally sold out for God?  At the end of the day, will you be able to say…”Put all the things you’ve learned from me into practice!”  What will you teach someone today about the One you live for?

Dear Father God, The greatest gift we have is to live for You.  May we daily become more like You!  Please help me to reach someone for You today!

In Jesus Name,