Take Time to Practice

Young piano students have a difficult time understanding the need for practice. Even with a recital looming ahead, they blissfully announce, “I didn’t have time to practice.” 
Granted, youngsters these days are busy. They have ballet, soccer, gymnastics, karate, swimming, and a host of other extra-curricular activities. Plus time spent on electronic devices. But the dearth of keyboard time leaves them struggling with simple melodies and stuck at levels lower than their abilities. The music within them is never fully released.
As adults, we often come to God with similar excuses. “I don’t have time to pray. I don’t have time to go to church. I don’t have time to serve or to reach out to someone in need.” As a result, our spiritual lives are anemic and out of tune with God’s purposes. We miss the blessing of godly fellowship, and the opportunity to bring hope to those who have lost their song. In short, we don’t have time to practice our faith.
The Book of James tells us that “Faith without works is dead.” It is a song unsung, a sonata unplayed. It is hope unrealized, a message unspoken, a destiny unfulfilled. Fingers grow stiff without practice. So does faith. 
Heaven is the place of ultimate harmony. There, faith receives its highest rewards. We hope to join the songs of victory and adoration one day. But earth is where we practice.

Next Steps...
I will put my faith into practice this week by taking time to read the Bible, pray and invite someone to church.