“I run...not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”1 Corinthians 9:25-27

For many music students, practice is like treading water—a necessary exercise that leads nowhere. As wise, experienced teachers recognize, many pupils play a certain length of time, rehearsing drills or favorite pieces. But, having gone through these minimal motions, their playing has not improved. In contrast, many virtuosos have discovered that they experienced real improvement as they identified weaknesses and made a conscious effort to address problem areas. That’s the only way to change for the better. One leading instrumentalist concluded that students are wasting their time if they finish practice sounding the same as when they started. He would rather have them “play two bars perfectly” than just play the way they always play. In similar ways, many Christians go through life, repeating the same mistakes and problems over and over again. They may go to church, pray, and read the Bible. But are they truly growing in their faith, or just going through the motions? Paul urged Believers to be serious about their faith. He described his personal commitment to train and discipline his body. He was willing to do what was necessary to win the race, not just run haphazardly. Today, think about your life. Are you just going through the motions, or are you applying Biblical principles? Has the Christian life become a drab routine, filled with meaningless habits and traditions? Or are you really growing in your faith? Are you truly drawing closer to God? Brothers & Sisters ask God to show you where you need to change and how to change. Seek to win the race. To mature in Christ. To draw closer to Him. To have more impact for His Kingdom.