“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49
Recently, I was returning home after delivering my kids to summer camp and decided to try an audible book to keep me entertained during the five-hour trip. Because productivity and organization continue to be a challenge of mine, I settled on a self-improvement book called Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy for the drive. I was concerned that the book would be a bit redundant, as I was fortunate to attend many educational seminars on similar topics when I was in the corporate world. Unfortunately, my concerns were becoming reality through the first few chapters, but I continued to listen with an open mind and my perseverance eventually paid off.
About half way through the trip, my husband called to check on my progress. I was able to share with him about the book I had chosen and some of the new information that I had learned. But, the biggest revelation in the book was that Mr. Tracy reminded me that, if I did not actively put his recommendations in to practice, I should not expect to see successful results. Knowing how something should be done and actually doing them are two different things. Hmmm. That tidbit sounded very familiar. If my day/home does not feel organized or I feel overwhelmed, it’s likely that I have the information or tools needed, but I am simply not putting those tools in to practice.
The scripture in Luke clearly teaches that Christ directed us is to put the tools He has given us in to practice. We are instructed to do more than just attend worship on Sunday morning. He calls us to read the Bible, spend time with Him in prayer and devotion, share our gifts and talents when we can and where we can, and to listen to Him when He speaks to us. Simply put, we are called to DO what is taught, not merely learn what is taught. Our Lord wants to bless us, He wants to redeem us, and He calls us to be His disciples.
Have you heard Him speaking to you? What small thing or large thing has He asked you to put in to practice?
Shannon Goodwin, St. Luke’s Business Office
