Morning Devotions: 4/8/10

Exodus 16:1-17:16

Practice makes perfect! So, we should be careful about what we're practicing.

The Israelites have just been freed from Egyptian slavery. They have witnessed God's saving work on their behalf. Just yesterday we read and reflected upon their song of thanksgiving. Now, only days after they sung their thankful song to God, their tune has dramatically changed to that of grumbling and complaining. They complained about the lack of adequate food and water. While those are indeed issues that would cause deep concern among a nation of people, it is their way of dealing with these issues that is becoming a problem. God has proven Himself to be worthy of their faith and trust. Yet, when the people are faced with a lack of food, do they pray to God a prayer of trust that God will provide? No. They complain. Next, when the people are faced with a lack of water, do they pray to God a prayer of trust that God will provide? Again, the answer is no. They complain. The Israelites are beginning to practice a pattern of behavior that is not healthy for them or their relationship with God.

So, if practice makes perfect, then what are you practicing?

If you're practicing the behaviors of complaining and grumbling the way the Israelites did, then be careful, you might get very good at it. We all know people who have perfected the art of complaining. They can't seem to be thankful or appreciative for anything. They are miserable to be around, and it seems as though there is never anything positive to talk about when in their presence.

There are other behaviors like complaining that we should be careful not to practice because we might just get very good at them. Here's a few examples. There are some who just cant resist gossiping. There are others who constantly practice self-righteous judgment of others. Most of us know at least one person who cant seem to show any genuine care or empathy toward others.

Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice.
Christ died so that we would come to believe that God does not desire to cause us to suffer. Instead, God desires to forgive us and provide for us the freedom to change. By practicing the disciplines of our faith, (prayer, worship, charity, love, compassion etc.), we get better and better at the behaviors that God uses to mold us into the people that He created us to become.

God doesn't ask us to be perfect, but He does ask us to practice!

Lord God, no matter how good the Israelites became at grumbling, you did not abandon them. You provided for their every basic need, and encouraged them to grow in faith along their journey with you. Today, give me grace sufficient enough to make an honest assessment of what I'm practicing. And, provide for me the clarity and the courage to practice the necessary changes that will allow me to follow more closely behind your Son, Jesus. In his name. Amen