It is common knowledge that the role of educators has changed over the years. One of the most profound changes is that students expect that their education will be easy, rather than challenging. There is probably a myriad of social and cultural reasons for this, many of which I am ill equipped to address. However, in my own small sphere of influence I work to buck this trend and tell my students from the outset that they can expect to work hard in my class. As I remind them, no athlete should enter a competition without extensive practice, and if they do, they should expect that victory will go to their opposition. My classroom is their practice field. When they enter the world of business, I want them to be well equipped for success, prepared for the obstacles and challenges that they will face.
The same idea applies to the practice of Christian disciplines. Many people struggle with prayer time and Bible study, especially if things are going well. They don’t feel the “need” to immerse themselves with the things of God, so they are quick to neglect them. However, one of the purposes of these regular practices is to make sure that they are in place before the crisis strikes. If they are, we will be more likely to continue them during the difficult days – those seasons where our need for them is more pronounced and more greatly felt.
What is true for our “individual” spiritual disciplines, is also true for our commitment to corporate worship. Many people realize there need for a Christian community when they are going through difficult times. However, it is those who have regularly participated in Christian fellowship who immediately have the family of God surrounding them when tragedy strikes. They have already made the investment in others’ lives and have experienced the blessing of knowing and serving the body of believers. Because of this, their burden is immediately lessened as they have others who are bearing it along with them.
What does this mean for us? If our commitment to spiritual practices has faltered, recognizing that there is a long-term value to them may spark our commitment to reengage and daily commit to prayer, Bible study, and participation in our local church. If we have maintained these disciplines, may we be encouraged to continue in them knowing that having these practices in place will make it easier to maintain these commitments when we face difficult days. And it is in those days that the blessings of these disciplines may be most fully realized in our lives.
