Training Our Faith

"So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." I Corinthians 9:25-27

This week, all the music ministry ensembles will begin their weekly schedules. The directors have been selecting music, preparing folders, and getting rooms ready to greet the members. We have been emailing, recruiting, and maybe even cajoling people to come try singing or ringing praise to God.

I sometimes lose touch with how many hours are involved in just learning ONE anthem. In parish choir, 14 people spend 6-7 weeks learning a piece of music. I would venture we spend about 15 minutes a week on each anthem. That is a combined total of 1,470 person-hours.  All for three-five minutes of singing on a Sunday.  

The scripture above refers to athletes, but Paul is really encouraging us in the spiritual life.  Can we imagine anybody getting up from the couch to run a 5k without training a bit for it? No, the runner would maybe meet with a trainer or an accountability partner. They would practice the basics of running.  Much like an athlete running a little bit each day or a musician practicing scales, we need to practice our faith.  How do we do that?

Participating in corporate worship and reading scripture are just two ways we can "train our faith." I love that our bulletin contains all the scriptures within it.  I'd suggest taking the bulletin home and rereading the scriptures from worship each day.  This is simple, quick way to stay engaged with your faith. I truly believe you'll notice a difference in how you react in your day if you do this short spiritual calisthenic.