Trained In What?

The statement has been made that “PRACTICE makes perfect.” These words have been used to encourage children learning to play the piano or some other instrument. It takes PRACTICE to perfect the talent and the more one PRACTICES the more the skill increases. However, could this principle be true in a negative way? If this principle is true in its general application to life, whatever we continue PRACTICING is what we will continue to get better at doing whether it be a bad thing or good. Though PRACTICING to perfect the ability to play an instrument is good, Peter referred to some whose hearts were “trained in greed.” ( 2 Peter 2:14 ESV) Apparently they continued to PRACTICE and perfect that skill. Therefore, since “PRACTICE makes perfect” we ought to be mindful of what it is we are PRACTICING. This struck me as I read the following words from John.

John exhorted…
“(7) Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever PRACTICES RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS, as he is righteous. (8) Whoever makes a PRACTICE OF SINNING IS OF THE DEVIL, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (9) No one born of God makes a PRACTICE OF SINNING, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. (10) By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever DOES NOT PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” ( 1 John 3:7-10 ESV)

First of all, John was not saying our life is without sin. (note 1 John 1:10) The focus was with regard to what is being PRACTICED in the life. What is the ongoing thing we are trying to perfect? John noted the outcome of PRACTICING sin as drawing one into association with the devil and becoming known as his children. On the other hand those who PRACTICE righteousness become righteous as God is righteous and it becomes evident that they are the children of God. John stated as a very logical outcome that whatever we PRACTICE aligns us with whomever is the source of such, whether that be the devil or God. So, if “PRACTICE makes perfect” may we be sure we are seeking to be perfected toward the likeness of the truly Perfect One. ( Matthew 5:48) That is the life truly worth the PRACTICE time!

Have a great day TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Carl

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