Practice Makes Permanent
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." —Romans 12:2
As an old choir director of mine would often say, "Practice makes permanent." While he was referring to diction and tone, I find that it is true in other areas as well. I have often found that when I practice a song on either piano or guitar, I reach a point of "muscle memory" where I no longer have to think about playing it, but rather, let my fingers remember where they are supposed to go. I have heard the same is true in sports, construction, and virtually any other repetitive physical activity.
The apostle Paul recognized that this concept of "muscle memory" extends into all areas of our lives. "Emotional memory" occurs whenever we respond emotionally to a situation based on previous experiences rather than the reality of present circumstances. "Behavioral memory," more commonly referred to as "habits," are the result of practicing an activity to the point where we no longer have to think about behaving a certain way, it will come naturally. You may be thinking of other ways that "muscle memory" appears in your life.
Simply stated, we as a people are regulated by the patterns and habits we practice. This can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the patterns we put into practice.
If you have ever tried to break a habit, you know just how permanent these patterns can be. Don’t be discouraged! We see in the book of Romans that God wants us to use the inherent power of patterns to strengthen our spiritual life, and if we ask, he will give us all the strength we need through the power of his Holy Spirit at work
within us.
Homework this week: Identify the patterns in your life that run contrary to God’s will. Identify the patterns you will need to establish in their place. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength and direction to transform your life.
As an old choir director of mine would often say, "Practice makes permanent." While he was referring to diction and tone, I find that it is true in other areas as well. I have often found that when I practice a song on either piano or guitar, I reach a point of "muscle memory" where I no longer have to think about playing it, but rather, let my fingers remember where they are supposed to go. I have heard the same is true in sports, construction, and virtually any other repetitive physical activity.
The apostle Paul recognized that this concept of "muscle memory" extends into all areas of our lives. "Emotional memory" occurs whenever we respond emotionally to a situation based on previous experiences rather than the reality of present circumstances. "Behavioral memory," more commonly referred to as "habits," are the result of practicing an activity to the point where we no longer have to think about behaving a certain way, it will come naturally. You may be thinking of other ways that "muscle memory" appears in your life.
Simply stated, we as a people are regulated by the patterns and habits we practice. This can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the patterns we put into practice.
If you have ever tried to break a habit, you know just how permanent these patterns can be. Don’t be discouraged! We see in the book of Romans that God wants us to use the inherent power of patterns to strengthen our spiritual life, and if we ask, he will give us all the strength we need through the power of his Holy Spirit at work
within us.
Homework this week: Identify the patterns in your life that run contrary to God’s will. Identify the patterns you will need to establish in their place. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength and direction to transform your life.