Practice needed applies to many areas in life. I have always wanted to learn Italian. Today, there are apps and other ways to learn languages. Deep down I knew it required a commitment to practice. That simple commitment would always hold me back.

This semester I had a student share about learning a new language on Duolingo. It’s a free app, so I decided it was time to start learning Italian. I committed to doing 15 minutes a day for a month. The ads in the free version are annoying which made the paid option enticing. I told myself that I had to stick with it for a month before making a financial commitment of $7/month.

Practice needed also applies to a life of faith. We need to commit to practicing worship, prayer, reading scripture and participating in a faith community.

^14-17 Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul. (2 Timothy 2:14-17 MSG).

It is easy to give Italian the practice needed right now. It’s new, and I’m excited to learn. My faith was like that once. Now, my faith still requires practice and there are times when I am better at it than others. Both learning a language and practicing my faith are life time commitments that will require continual effort. The gift that comes in the manger reminds me of that commitment and my needed effort. Buon Natale (Merry Christmas).

Are you willing to give your faith the practice needed? Does your effort wax and wane? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.