Practice Your Faith

     Being a math challenged person most of my life, I have learned to laugh at myself when my calculations are way off base.  On the other hand, I can pick out errors in spelling, punctuation and incomplete sentences in the newspaper quickly.  It just goes to show that each one of us has our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to certain subjects.  However, all of us can excel in the area of our spiritual growth.  Prayer, Bible study and fellowship with like-minded believers are vital so that we can be equipped to bring glory to the Lord.  In addition, this is even more important if we are parents or grandparents as children watch, listen and observe the things we take time for each day.

Two of my handsome grandsons

     This became clear to me as I was reading the last few chapters of the Book of Deuteronomy.  Moses was preparing the Children of Israel for new leadership under Joshua who would take them into the promised land.  As he was doing so, he reviewed with them the Law that the Lord had given to them and called them to renew their covenant with God.  Because this was close to the end of his life, these instructions were very important that he was delivering to the people.  He encouraged them  to do this:  "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deut. 11:19 and 6:7).  Repetition is a key way we learn things and make them a part of our lives.  This was the goal that Moses had in mind.  As we teach our children and grandchildren the truth of God's Word, we are also strengthening our understanding of our faith.  Unfortunately, we are a forgetful people.  Let me give a practical illustration.
     I love to do needlework and also crochet.  I started a project a while ago but then dropped it as other activities came along.  When I went to restart the project once more, I had to spend time looking over the directions in order to re-orient myself.  It took some time to do this as I did not want to make a mistake.  Funny how quickly we can forget basic things if we neglect it for a while.  I would say the same thing is also true for church fellowship, Bible study and prayer.
     How often have we known someone who faithfully attended church and then, one day, disappeared?  Perhaps illness prevented them or some other difficulty.  Yet, we never see them come back.  One reason for this is that it is easy for us to get out of the habit of making time for the Lord.  We get so busy with the daily activities of life that we let our worship time get choked out by the cares of this world.  Our faith requires not only discipline but also practice.  We must also take the time to read the Word.  Otherwise, when the storms of life come, what do we have to draw upon if not the truths found in the Bible?  Likewise, we must talk with the Lord.  He is our Creator, sustainer, and the Rock upon which we can depend.  I would not think of letting a day go by without talking to God.
     Just as Moses reminded the people to talk about the commandments of God and teach them to their families, Jesus also spent three years teaching his disciples.  Yet, they also forgot many of the truths He had shared with them about the necessity of His death and resurrection.  Needless to say, they were surprised to see Him even though the women had reported that His tomb was empty.  The two disciples on the way to Emmaus were also instructed by the Lord in how He had fulfilled all the of the prophecies.  Isn't it amazing how quickly they forgot?
     God calls us to become students who apply ourselves to the practice of our faith.  We have His Word.  We have a means of communicating with Him and an opportunity to join with others in worship.  This is what makes us able to withstand the tough times in life.  Likewise, it keeps us out of the danger of false teachings.  Being diligent to pursue the faith given to us will help us bring glory to God and provide a witness for those who follow us.  May we be found faithful in this cause!  Selah!