August 12, 2024

Practical Counsel
4 So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

David Bale
“We talkin’ ‘bout practice, man. Not a game...we talkin’ ‘bout....practice!” Some of us will remember this post-game interview several years ago. This former NBA player was being questioned about missing a practice, and the interview became quite memorable. Well, if we want to get better at something, practice is certainly important..isn’t it? In verses 8 and 9, Paul summarizes the types of things to think about and also what had been learned and received from him; but there’s an important word at the end of these verses that I want to emphasize: the word “DO.” I like the NIV translation which reads, “put it into practice.” Reading scripture moves us from ignorance to awareness, from illiteracy to being educated about Truth.  It is not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well (James 1:22). We must also put it into practice. The world is full of Christians, who are perfectly familiar with what the Bible says about certain things, but simply don’t believe it, by virtue of the way they actually act. One of the strategies of the enemy is to distract us with ‘attractive’ alternatives to keep us from staying focused on what God has called us to do and be. Why do you suppose we’re all so busy? Any ideas?