Practice Makes Permanent

We've all heard it. The old adage that says that “practice makes perfect.” Some, however, would like to argue that instead, practice makes permanent. Either way, practice is necessary in order to change old habits and develop new ones. In his book Respectable Sins, Bridges talks about the fact that we all have a tendency toward being ungodly. He describes ungodliness as “living one's everyday life with little or no thought of God, or of God's will, or of God's glory, or of one's dependence on God” (54). Bridges asks a question that we all should be asking: “how can we become more godly in our daily lives?” (59). His answer is simple. We must practice godliness. He supports this idea by quoting a portion of 1 Timothy 4:7, which instructs us to “discipline [ourselves] for the purpose of godliness” (NASB). The version referenced by Bridges uses the word “train” instead of “discipline.” These words are closely related, and both are applicable to the developing habits of godliness. A recent article in the Derby Telegraph (http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/passion-Derby-ice-skater-aims-Winter-Olympics/story-26022757-detail/story.html) reports on a pair of young figure skaters whose goal is to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics. The training, practice, and discipline necessary to reach this goal is rigorous. It requires daily commitment and sacrifice. For example, according to the article, “TWELVE-year-old Ellie O'Connell is dedicated to ice skating – so much so that she gets up between 3.30am and 4.30am every day to train.” Becoming more godly involves practice, training, and discipline. One way we can increase our godliness is to practice thinking about God, His will, His glory, and our dependence on Him on a daily basis. But we can be encouraged, because practice makes perfect – or at least, it makes permanent.

Dependent Responsibility

It is the 5^th of February. I am still recovering from a fun but exhausting month of participating in the production of Fiddler on the Roof at Lancaster Bible College, where I am a senior. In this heartwarming drama, the main character, Tevye, frequently thinks aloud about his faith, his family, and life in general. As he ruminates on major events and issues that are taking place in his life, he often says “on the one hand...but on the other hand...” In many situations, he finds a tension between two truths. Jerry Bridges, in his book Respectable Sins, points out a tension between two truths that exists in the Christian life. He refers to this as “the principle of dependent responsibility.” Bridges is referring to the fact that “we are responsible before God to obey His Word, to put to death the sins in our lives” but that “we do not have the ability within ourselves to carry out this responsibility” (41). As Tevye might say, on the one hand, we must stop sinning, but on the other hand, we cannot stop sinning. We need help. What a desperate predicament! But Bridges reminds us that there is hope. God has provided a way out of this impossible situation. By the power of His Holy Spirit, which He offers to us every single day, we can overcome the temptations we face and choose to do what is right. We have a responsibility to God, but we are also dependent on Him to enable us to fulfill that responsibility. The recent news story regarding Austin Tice, an American hostage who disappeared in 2012, demonstrates the principle of dependent responsibility. http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/05/parents-of-kidnapped-journalist-austin-tice-ask-for-help-seek-reform/. Tice's parents are doing everything within their power to ensure the safe and speedy release and return of their son. As his parents, it is their responsibility to do so. However, they are extremely limited in their ability to help him. The article reports that “Although Marc and Debra Tice are grateful for the generous support from RSF and other media outlets, they have expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts of their own government, and have a sense that they are on their own.” Tice's parents carry a great responsibility, yet also a great dependency on those who hold positions of power and authority. As I reflect on this story, I am filled with thankfulness that we have a Heavenly Father who, unlike our government, is not only all-powerful, but also “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (New American Standard Bible, Isaiah 46:1). He does not leave us helpless. We can trust the one on whom we are dependent as we seek to fulfill our responsibility.