“…As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.” Ecclesiastes 8:8
“Practice Makes Perfect” is a phrase that is familiar to all. Yet, many do not wish to engage in “practice” as it requires an effort.
Webster defines practice as: “To perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient.” God clearly reveals to us that He desires us to practice certain things
while here on earth. He spoke to Ezekiel, “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.” (Ezekiel 33:31-32)
Just hearing words and not putting them into practice is exactly what Jesus describes in Matthew 7:24,26; “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man… but everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man…”
We are diligent to “practice’ many things. Band practice, football practice, even practicing the ABC’s are just a few of the things we teach our children to “work at repeatedly so as to become proficient.” Why do we let Satan deceive us so? We must teach our children to be proficient in God’s Word in order that they may know to do God’s will.
Peter felt so strongly about the Christians “practicing” certain qualities that he was continually reminding them lest they would forget them and fall. In 2 Peter 1:5-9,
Peter lists these qualities and concludes in verse 10, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”
May we all resolve to not just hear God’s Word, but to practice it.
….Borrowed (Terry Ellison)