Statue of David by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

What does it take to be an olympic athlete or a star performer at the top of your game?  We’ve all heard it before, practice, practice, practice.  But is that really all it takes?  If we just do our time putting in the reps at the gym and scales in the practice room are we really destined for greatness?  Where does that extra spark come from that turns good skill into greatness?  To answer this question we have to look at a slightly different definition of the word practice.

Practice, in it’s primary, spiritual sense means to carry out.  That’s where we get the phrase “practice what you preach.”  This definition of practice goes beyond simple preparation to where the rubber meets the road.   One perfect Biblical example of this kind of practice is the story of David, the faithful shepherd boy who defeats Goliath, a gargantuan Philistine warrior. Goliath’s challenge to the army of Israel was this: send me your best warrior, if he can defeat me, the Philistines will be your slaves, but if I defeat him, the Israelites will be our slaves.

The Israelite army was frozen in their boots by this challenge.  How can one of us possibly defeat this giant?  Here they were, professional soldiers who had been training for battle much of their lives, and they were terrified of facing Goliath in battle.  David was different.  He hadn’t spent one day at boot camp, but he had picked up a useful habit while tending the sheep that was successful every time.  Whenever a lion or bear threatened his flock, David put his trust in God for protection.  His faith was his shield, and it never failed him.  That’s why when Goliath stepped up with his challenge, David readily accepted.  He knew he could put his faith in God into practice.

By trusting that God would protect him, David took his first step towards action by overcoming fear.  Fear was holding back seasoned troops, but it wasn’t going to hold back David.  Of course we all know the end of the story: David defeats Goliath.  What Goliath’s are there in your life?  And how can you put David’s lesson into practice?  Join us this Wednesday, June 10th at 7:30pm for readings from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook on the subject of “Practice.”  We will also hear testimonies of people practicing Christian Science in their lives and finding healing.  Can’t come in person? Join us on the phone:

Dial-in Number: 1-310-372-7549
Access Code: 607611