So, when people find out I played soccer in college. I'm quick to set the record straight: I didn't playsoccer in college as much as I practiced a whole lot.
But I did practice.
Since I've never had a lot of natural athletic talent, in high school I tended to put everything I had into practice. And when I didn't put out a good effort in practice, it showed when gameday came.
The saying holds true that "Practice makes permanent." if I slacked during practice and wasn't sharp during drills, I wouldn't be sharp during the game. Of course, this is true not only in athletics, but in other areas as well. In my years of training on the piano as a kid, in high school, and in college, it was always clear in a lesson, during a performance, or during worship whether I had really practiced.
And guess what: the same is true in our walk with God.
Now, in a way, the analogy doesn't completely translate. When it comes to following Jesus, there's no practice, only gameday. In addition, no matter how much effort I put in, I will never be able to please God without his grace and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus. But my point is this: the small details in my life that happen throughout the week--even when no one is watching me--matter. And as a leader, what happens in my private life will show through in my public life, just like whether I put in effort at practice or not always showed during a game. Practice makes permanent.
I'm increasingly convinced that God is far less interested in how I am when I'm "on" than when I'm "off." After all, the true character of a leader is revealed when no one is looking.
So as we continue to get our bearings on this new year, ask yourself: how's my practice? Do I put my best effort in when it's just me and God, or when the spotlight's on me?
3 comments:
Great post, I know that I need to designate time to being alone with God, just so that I'm building the habit. Recently I've been squeezing Him in, instead of making Him a priority.
I know when it comes to ministry I need to practice on my communication more. When I don't I'm confusing and that shows the students, parents, ministers, et.c that I don't value them.
I like the idea of practice vs. gameday. Practice being what we do outside the public eye, in community with others sometimes and sometimes alone in the weight room.
A friend of mine sat me down recently, and said, "Don't be so hard on yourself about prayer. You are intensely extroverted. So pray in community! That's why the catholics have mass everyday. Because people like you fall asleep when they are by themselves."
I'm not catholic, but I'm liking the idea that prayer in community is something that fits my personality better. (Not that I don't pray at all when I'm alone, mind you, but my expectations are changed.)
Chris: I've struggled with much the same thing in the past 6 months or so. I've been trying to focus on giving God the first fruits of my time, whether that means in my private life or my public life.
Marcus: you're right about praying in community. It's something I really miss from my Anglican days!
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