Read: James 1:22, Matthew 7:24-25
I’m about to make an obvious statement: You can’t get your driver’s license online. Some of you might be thinking, “Wait, I took driver’s ed online!” Sure, that might be true, but you didn’t actually get your license online. You can take all the classes in the world and ace the written test, but it won’t matter until you get in a car with someone and prove that you can actually drive. You can’t learn to parallel park online, and you can’t master merging into oncoming traffic by watching videos. The only way to really learn is to do it, and the only way to get good at it is to do it repeatedly until it becomes second nature.
Have you ever tried learning a new skill, like playing an instrument or running a marathon? It’s not enough to just read about it or watch videos—you have to practice. And practice means repeating the same actions over and over again, even when it’s hard or frustrating. Spiritual growth works the same way. Knowing the right things isn’t enough; we have to put them into practice.
Many Christians get stuck because they focus on more Bible study as the answer to every struggle. While studying Scripture is crucial, real transformation happens when we begin to live out what we learn. Jesus’ teachings aren’t just meant to be admired; they’re meant to be applied. He calls us to practice His way of living, knowing that it’s through consistent practice that we are transformed.
Consider the areas of your life where you know what Jesus teaches but struggle to live it out. The key is not to simply try harder but to train. Training means taking intentional steps to practice what you’ve learned, gradually becoming the kind of person who naturally lives like Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
- What teachings of Jesus do you struggle to consistently practice in your daily life?
- How can you shift from just trying harder to intentionally training in those areas?
- What small, practical steps can you take to put what you’ve learned into practice?