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Practice Makes Perfect
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect. You have heard it, and of course so have I. But it is only true if we have "perfect practice". It has also been said that a working man's definition of insanity is to continue to do that same thing and expect different results.
So, what do we do as we seek to please God? Let me suggest that we search God's word for answers. Read what He has said about the area of study you are concerned with.
Not long ago I was teaching the book of Mark at one of the area congregation and mentioned as a point of curiosity the names of twenty-two authors that had written a commentary on the book of Mark.
Then my question to the congregation was, which one would/or do you agree with. As you might imagine there were some strange, blank looks. Of course, the answer is simple, "it is the one or ones you agree with". Make no mistake, if you have an idea on any Bible topic you can find something in print that will support your idea rather it is correct or not.
But let me ask, what did the believers do before there was such an abundance of commentaries, could it be they read the Bible more and were more accepting of His words?
When it is God we wish to follow and please by our work and service shouldn't we let His word be our guide?
Consider such passages as:
- I Corinthians 2:12-13 --- "Which things we speak not taught by human wisdom, but in things taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words".
- John 20:30-31 ---"These things were written that you may believe that Jesus in the Christ".
- Ephesians 3:1-4 ---"When you read what I have written you can understand my insight into the mysteries of Christ".
- I Corinthians 14:37-38---"If anyone thinks that he is spiritual let him recognize the things I write are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone does not recognize this he is not recognized by God".
Other passages would be, I Corinthians 4:6, II Peter 3:15-16, Romans 15:4, I John 2:26, and II Timothy 3:16-17. I am sure you can think of other Biblical passages that point out this same idea that God's word must be our guide.
One of my favorites is, I John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life".
So, what's the point? Be a student of the Book, His Book! --Dick Brant
