Practice Makes Perfect?

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." -Philippians 4:9 NIV

To walk as Jesus walked is probably one of the most challenging tasks ever to accomplish. I genuinely try daily to be a better person in Jesus' name and correct myself of unnecessary thoughts. A gentle and lowly heart is my main goal. Especially with homeschooling my kids daily. Patience is not my strong suit. Add in a mix of pregnancy hormones, and you really can get a short-fuse as well. I could use prayers to be more patient. A short-fuse is not a good trait to have, and ugh, I dislike the "troll" of a person I am when it pops.

However, one of the worst traits I feel I can do is act like I am perfect. Why do we not talk more about the things that are wrestling in our minds? Why do we work like we have it all together? Jesus was perfect. We are not. Nor can we ever expect to be perfect. But God does know our hearts, and He does expect us to try to walk as Jesus walked. But I want to be the first to humble myself and say I can't do that without prayers, continuous study of His Word, and solid friendships to guide me.

Do you struggle with patience? Short-fuse? Depression or any other emotion you don't like to show others? I am here to say, talk about it! Stop hiding it and allowing the devil a stronghold on your thoughts. When we let go of these weights that wear us down, we will start to set ourselves free to walk the way Jesus walked truly. Only then will we be able to practice the loving, obedient, servant heart of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Pray daily, pray for others with a truly humble heart, staying centered on God's Word, reading it daily, and keeping it real with our struggles. Only then will we be released from the devil's chains and enter God's perfect peace He wants us all to receive.

Photo credit: youversion bible app