Today’s sermon talked a lot about being a good example of life as a Christian so as to encourage non believers. That seemed impossibly difficult for me. Even though I knew the better way of doing things I always seemed to be reviewing my efforts in hindsight. So many times I had kicked myself for not seeing the right way until after I had chosen the wrong way! That was before I learned how to practice. Ya know what they say…Practice makes perfect.
At the KU I have learned not to expect perfection but little improvements as often as possible. Like learning math, I had to practice, the more I practiced the more times I got it right and the less times I got it wrong. I loved getting it right.
Here is how I practice and look for little improvements. I apply one of Jesus great commandments, love your neighbour as yourself. This is easy as pie…as long as you do it only in your mind. You might ask what good is that? I think the good of it is endless.
Practicing this commandment in your mind only, is absolutely safe. This fact provides an environment of complete honesty. It’s time spent uniquely between you and God when you’re using His Word.
The little improvements I look for after doing this is the strength of my trust and faith regarding the outcome. How do I love as myself? The answers regarding love resides in our heart where God has written His Laws. Searching for how I love as myself opened the door to these Laws and always affected my thinking, and always in a positive way. I began considering it as ‘God’s View’. Each time I use His word I ask myself:
Was my view more positive when mixed with His Word?
Do I trust His View will add a positive light on things each time whether I recognize it or not?
Do I feel enlightened?
Loved or judged?
I repent to His View in my mind if it is better than mine alone. It always is.
Practice practice practice your way to trusting His Word. It’s the very beginning of knowledge and understanding.
I found the answers to these and others musings provided an ever deepening trust in His Word and my faith in using it. Please please please don’t take my word for it though,prove it to yourself. Put His Word to work, using it in every situation possible and enjoy a sense of belonging like never before.
Practice spawns readyness.
Kootenay Unchurch 