3:88 – Is There A “Right” Way To Practice Your Faith?

#faithbites #faithjourney practice

In High School, I was on the track and field team. And no, I wasn’t a runner :-). I did shot put and discus. While I wasn’t great, I went to practice everyday and did my best. In both sports there are different techniques you can use to throw or put the shot and disc.

In shot put, most of my teammates, even those we competed against used the glide, while I used the spin. This Southern African technique was easier for me as with my knees the glide was hard. Some people looked at me weird for doing it, but I loved it and it got the job done.

In our faith, we all can and should practice it a bit differently. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. What works for one would be a struggle for another. The key is we need to practice is according to Jesus’s principle s: love, forgiveness, salvation, and faith.

Scripture

• What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philipians 4:9
• “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 6:1

Reflection

We know that works don’t get us into heaven. Only belief in Christ Jesus does. Now we can chose to “try to be a good Christian” so it looks good for others, but that is folly. There is no reward for that. That is being false to your faith.

On the other hand, we should practice these things because that is what we believe and we do it because we thank Jesus for his sacrifice and God for sending his son.

During track practice, many looked at me weird when I was trying to master the South African and said that’s not the way to do it. Even the coach had troubles as he wasn’t familiar with that style. But it worked and I even taught others to do it.

In our faith, find what works, and as long as it is what Jesus preaches, it is fine. Don’t judge others as there are many ways to practice your faith.

Challenge

What’s your style? Find what works for you. Measure it against scripture. Are you practicing what Jesus preaches? If so, you are great. If not, try a different style. It may just work for you.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for giving us different skills and abilities. Thank you for giving us faith in you. We all want to show our faith in a way that is pleasing to you. While we may all do it differently, we know that if we follow your teachings, it is pleasing to you. Be with us as we define our styles and worship according to your will and way. Amen.