shawnethomas

(Preached at First Baptist, Pauls Valley 8-17-14)

I had the opportunity a few days ago to go up to the high school during their summer band practice, and I must say that I was impressed with the quality of what was going on there. I was able to meet with the Band Director, Drew, and his dad, and Mr. Winkle, and they seem to be very good leaders. I really enjoyed watching them work with the band on their numbers: not only on just “getting the notes right”, but on the details: having the music build to a crescendo so that it would have a dramatic effect, and so many other things. After he had done his part, Mr. Winkle came and sat by me in the auditorium where I was watching, and we visited for a while. He told me about the practices they were putting in during the summer, and the ones they would continue during the school year as well. I told him, “You know, I don’t think people realize all the work that goes in to putting together a band performance of this quality.” It doesn’t just “happen”; it takes a lot of discipline, practice, and work.

What we need to realize is that the same thing is true in the Christian life. That band doesn’t just “show up” and play these great numbers during halftime, and do so well at contests. It takes discipline. And the same thing is true with the Christian life. You can’t just “show up” for an hour a week on Sunday mornings, and think that you are going to have a great and victorious Christian life. Showing up on Sundays is part of it, but not nearly all. Just like with the high school band — really just like in any other endeavor in life — it takes some basic disciplines to succeed.

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