Practicing can be useful or detrimental. Depending upon that which is being practiced determines its usefulness. Benefits can come from certain practices but harmful consequences can come from others.
From the world around us we see that certain practices bring positive results. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated. Eating healthy foods provides all kinds of benefits. Exercise strengthens your physical body. Going to work on time when you are scheduled and doing a good job keeps you employed. Those are just a few worldly examples.
Like the water that keeps you hydrated and the food that keeps you nourished, scripture and prayer helps to maintain your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Attending worship services on a continual basis and having fellowship with like-minded people keeps you active within the kingdom of God. These things are to be practiced so that your relationship with God is strong and continually enriched.
What happens when you stop eating right or stop drinking water or stop exercising? Your body goes crazy and you may get sick or gain too much weight or develop some dreadful health condition that prevents you from going to work or being a productive member of society. When you stop going to work, chances are, you will lose your job.
Sin is like that red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. It sure does look good and calls out to be tasted. One taste provides enough incentive for a second taste and then another and another and before long you want it all the time. You get a sugar high for just a little while and then come crashing down with regret.
Galatians tells us that the practicing of sin will keep us separated from the kingdom of God. But the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us will provide useful fruit that can be practiced and becomes an inherent part of who we are. It is the evidence of our practice.
Do you have a practice that is beneficial? Do you find yourself practicing something that keeps you separated from God?
Will you share your thoughts?
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
