Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Some people think teaching and training are the same thing. While they are similar, they are not the same. You can teach someone - provide them with the knowledge of what should be done to develop a certain set of skills or talent. They can know everything they need to do in order to accomplish their goal. However, unless they combine it with practical application, there is no value added. There must be training. Train up a child... Some things they will get the very first time. Some, they won't get for the first one hundred times. Frustrating, yes, but training is the key. You'll notice the Scripture doesn't define what age is old.
We all know that every athlete has to train. And when serious athletes face challenges, they step up their training to meet the requirement of the challenge. A runner doesn't train the same for a marathon as he would for a 50-yard dash. And when running a marathon, he or she doesn't just go outside and run around the block and then say, "Okay, I can run, so I'm ready." Nor would we expect them to be ready just because they know how to run. You see the point I'm making. It takes training to qualify for the competition, training to be able to maintain a position in the competition and endurance training to be able to finish no matter the circumstances.
It's the same with "baby" Christians. It doesn't matter their age in physical years. Yes, one would think that an adult (in years) would grasp the concepts and deeper truths more quickly than a child in years, and yet Scripture tells us we must come as a child. They must first be taught and then apply the training for what they've been taught. Yes, some things they'll get the very first time. Some, they won't get for the first one hundred (or more) times. Frustrating, for sure, but training is the key.
Christ's example of obedience only to the Father qualified us for the competition to have victory over death, hell and the grave. It takes training and disciplining our lives to His Word to be able to maintain a position of humility and submission to the Father in the race. And only those who endure no matter what the circumstances will finish and receive the crown. That's what we've been taught according to the Word of God. And now, we're in training...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for providing the Word to teach and the faith, strength, and patience to train. Help us to see the opportunities You have placed before us so that we embrace them and utilize them wisely. Help us to grow in Your wisdom and in Your grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Showing posts with label maintain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maintain. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Maintaining
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
1st Peter 3:11 NLT
There is often a great misunderstanding about what peace is. Many view it as the cessation of fighting; which is largely the world view. However, rarely is it true peace in that realm. Mostly, that's one side having more power than the other, defeating the warring faction and intimidating them into submission or a ceasefire.
Jesus said the peace that He left for us is not as the world gives it. The peace that passes understanding is being able to not be conflicted in the midst of turmoil; to not be struggling within yourself or with others. Anyone can live in denial. They may act as if there is no conflict, but that's not the same thing as living in peace.
If an issue arises in relationship, we must search out the root and resolve it. Break it down between the parties until we can find a common ground to take it to the Lord together and leave it there. It's working troubles to a place where all involved are released from the conflict of it.
God's peace may require some extra effort, but it is lasting. It won't flare-up in trouble when one side gets "the advantage".I don't feel as though I'm expressing this properly, but I hope you can read through my bumbling on this and catch the difference.
Prayer:
Father,
As the old saying goes, "No God, No Peace" and "Know God - Know peace". Your Word declares that You will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds fixed on You. As we choose to trust You in all things, Father. Help us to always seek Your peace and work to maintain it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Peter 3:11 NLT
There is often a great misunderstanding about what peace is. Many view it as the cessation of fighting; which is largely the world view. However, rarely is it true peace in that realm. Mostly, that's one side having more power than the other, defeating the warring faction and intimidating them into submission or a ceasefire.
Jesus said the peace that He left for us is not as the world gives it. The peace that passes understanding is being able to not be conflicted in the midst of turmoil; to not be struggling within yourself or with others. Anyone can live in denial. They may act as if there is no conflict, but that's not the same thing as living in peace.
If an issue arises in relationship, we must search out the root and resolve it. Break it down between the parties until we can find a common ground to take it to the Lord together and leave it there. It's working troubles to a place where all involved are released from the conflict of it.
God's peace may require some extra effort, but it is lasting. It won't flare-up in trouble when one side gets "the advantage".I don't feel as though I'm expressing this properly, but I hope you can read through my bumbling on this and catch the difference.
Prayer:
Father,
As the old saying goes, "No God, No Peace" and "Know God - Know peace". Your Word declares that You will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds fixed on You. As we choose to trust You in all things, Father. Help us to always seek Your peace and work to maintain it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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