"The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47
In a seminar I attended years ago, Dr. Stanley Ott told a story. He had gone for a walk with his son. Being drawn to a large puddle off the path, his son quickly ran to it. “It’s moving!” the boy exclaimed. As they looked, the pond was filled with thousands of tiny tadpoles. His son asked if they could take some home, and Stanley agreed. They scooped up several dozen in a clear plastic container and kept them in a place that they could watch them change into frogs. They kept the water fresh and fed them fish food every day, but nothing happened. After a few weeks, they returned to the puddle to see how the other tadpoles were doing. Much to Stanley’s surprise, the puddle was empty. That’s when he noticed hundreds of tiny frogs hopping nearby.
He asked a scientist friend why his tadpoles didn’t change into frogs. The answer? “It matters what you feed them, Stanley. Not everything they eat will make them grow.”
If we want to be disciples, it matters what we feed our spirits. Would we expect to eat only ice cream and doughnuts 6 ½ days a week and eat vegetables once a week and be healthy? Of course not. Neither should we expect to fill our minds and hearts with all sorts of junk during the week and have Sunday morning make everything alright.
The early believers spent their time doing specific things. They learned about Jesus from the apostles. Christian fellowship, praying together, and having communion occurred whenever they met. They demonstrated sacrificial giving, worship every day, shared joy and praise, and extended hospitality to others within their homes. (Acts 2:42-47)
They were growing in grace through the practice of spiritual disciplines. We do not become disciples overnight, but it takes time for our lives to more closely reflect Jesus. Practice precedes progress.
Miss Mary Lou Couch taught me piano for about 6 years through instruction and by example. Mostly, she taught me through making me practice. Thirty years ago, I promised Mary Lou and my mom that if I quit taking lessons, that I would continue to play and learn. I grew in my ability to play by spending time sitting at a bench. Practice preceded progress.
We, too, are instruments that have been created to play a song for others that reflects the love and grace of God. But not all of us are pianists;so, what can we do? God offers us many different ways to grow as disciples, but we have to take the time to work on them – to practice – to allow the Holy Spirit to shape us over time.
Being a disciple doesn’t happen by magic, it happens as we live the faith we believe. We cannot just dress up, attend worship, and grow. We have to allow Jesus to change us daily to be like him.
I received a beautiful, antique harmonica that is prominently displayed in my office. You might think that I am quite a gifted player if you see me hold it. I have not, however, taken the time to practice. Holding a harmonica does not make me a player. Sitting in church does not make us disciples.
I am not saying that what we do makes us Christian. No, only knowing Christ makes us Christian. Think of being a Christian like being married. Once we say vows, we are married. Once we profess our faith, we are claimed by Christ. Whether that relationship is a good one depends on the effort we give to growing in that relationship. Works do not save us. However, spiritual disciplines do draw us close to the heart of God.
If we are faithful to practice, God will grow us in grace. Practice precedes progress.
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