Practice makes perfect.
This is a phrase that we undoubtedly heard time and time again usually in the context of improvement. And simply put, human beings are designed for constant improvement. Case in point, this is why exercising our physical bodies has always been a trend. The more you use a muscle in a certain workout, the more it develops. Inversely, the more a certain muscle isn’t used, that muscle starts to deteriorate and atrophy.
And probably the most significant muscle in our body is our brain. Our brain is the seat of all emotion and it is where our default behaviors are formed. The way we choose to respond to certain things eventually become habits that form our behaviors. Confidence, courage, assertiveness; all of these are formed based on how we chose to respond to situations in our life therefore molding our default behaviors.
It is interesting to know that the strongest default behavior present in ALL human beings is that craving for certainty. This is because the primal part of our brain or the AMYGDALA, is designed to keep us safe. This is the part of the brain that moves away from perceived threats and draws us closer to rewards. It is this function that drives our actions to make sure that our earthly needs are secure. The need for a roof over our head, a steady stream of resources to provide for our family. It fosters a certain trust in oneself to be able to make sure that all these needs are met.
Compare this now to the concept of faith. In the New Testament the Greek word used for this is “Pistis” and it indicates a belief or conviction with the complementary idea of trust. And the Bible talks about faith as something beyond just an intellectual concept, BUT as a belief that inspires action. Hence what James wrote in Chapter 2 verse 26, “For the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead”. He talks about demonstrating our faith through the actions that we do and having an ACTIVE trust in The Lord.
This now is the usual point of contention. Because our calling as Christians goes AGAINST the default craving of our brain. This is evident in Proverbs 3:5-6 as it is written, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
God did not call us for an earthly certainty, yet He has called us for a certainty that goes beyond human comprehension. The certainty He assured us in His word that He will never leave nor forsake us. When life sends us on an unexpected route, our response will be dependent on which muscle WE CHOSE TO DEVELOP. Our default human concept of certainty? Or the certainty we have in Christ Jesus? Is our faith in what we can do stronger than our Faith in the Lord? Which muscle have you been developing?
Because at the end of the day, whatever we practice doesn’t necessarily make things perfect. BUT- Whatever we choose to practice and develop is what becomes PERMANENT. Whatever we choose to practice becomes permanent behaviors as those habits become stronger. And the more we strengthen that muscle of faith, trusting in The Lord now becomes our new default behavior. And when we choose to make a habit of trusting The Lord, we become clearer reflections of His Grace and Love.
Always remember that Practice makes PERMANENT.
