Exercise toward Godliness

‘Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest’ (Heb 4:1-2).

Philosophers say that ‘20% of retention comes from what we hear, 35% of it comes from what we hear and see, 50% from what we hear, see and say, 70% from what we hear, see, say and do, and finally 90% of retention comes from what we hear, see, say, do and believe’ (Lao –Tzu, Chinese Philosopher).  This fact confirms the words of the writer of Hebrews that, ‘the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it’ (Heb 4:2).
 

Christianity is not what we say, it’s what we do.  Although faith comes through hearing the word of God, the demonstration of the power in the gospel is not in hearing the word but in obeying it. Many have been Christians for many years but have not seen significant changes in their lives, all because they have been hearers of the living word but not doers of it.  

The only way to grow in any field is to exercise or practice. Equally, the way to grow in the Christian faith is to exercise your spiritual muscles by obeying the word you’ve heard. Until you take steps to obey the Word of God, you will never experience its inherent power.  Paul told his son Timothy, ‘exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come’ (1 Timothy 4:7,8). Is your faith been tested today? Obey God and you will surly experience growth in faith after the test.

Another lesson from the statistics above is that; as a leader, the best way to make an impact is to practice what you teach. By that, your followers will see the fruits of what you teach, be inspired and easily learn from you. So Paul said to Timothy, ‘be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity…’ (1 Tim 4:12). Do you want your family, church or business to be molded by the word of God?  Then begin to practice the word before them. Remember it is easier to preach ten sermons than to live one.  The facts are clear; add feet to your faith. Results only come through obeying the Word of God.  Anyone born of God overcomes the world and the key is faith (1 John 5:4).