Been Thinking about Training

Last Saturday at the Starkville District training I was trying to remember (unsuccessfully) the following advise from Paul to the Philippians … “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8). In the same thought the Apostle then continues exhorting them to practice all these things as well as the things he has taught them by word or example promising them that the “God of peace will be with you. (v9)” I was trying to make two points the first one was that whatever ministry we undertake on behalf of our Lord needs to be the best that we can do, it should not be subject to any limitations such as time. And the other point was that in missions and outreach training (or any other training) that you need to put into practice that which you learn.

Knowledge in our heads is subject to be filed away and forgotten or displaced by other knowledge, practicing what you learn, however, reinforces it and makes it more memorable; it is said that if you do something enough times it becomes a habit. So if you learn anything that you consider good it will not be of any use to you or anyone else unless it’s put into practice. It kind of reminds me of what James said about preaching … “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:22-24)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

If it’s true and admirable then let’s practice what we preach, let’s practice what we learn and this way give honor and praise to the One on whose behalf we work!!!

Missions and outreach questions? Call me!