If as Christians we must “practice to be good" does God not take us “just as we are.
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: People tell me that as Christians we must “practice to be good,” but I thought God takes us “just as we are.” How can we practice to be good? – P.L.
A: Football practice. Art lessons. Piano practice. Rehearsal for the school play. Whatever a person wants to be good at requires practice. It’s the same with living the Christian life daily, which pleases the Lord. He will help us live right if we belong to Him, read His Word, pray to Him, and obey what He says.
While God has not promised to deliver us from trouble, He has promised to go through it with us and help us put into practice what He commands. The Bible says that we don’t need to be afraid because the Lord is with those who belong to Him. All those who love and obey the Lord should always do their work in the Name of Jesus, giving thanks in everything (see Colossians 3:17).
Jesus works for those He loves every day. He is in Heaven at the right hand of His Father praying for us to be strong in His truth and power. There are many wonderful verses that teach us about how much God cares; Isaiah 64:4, Acts 17:25, Mark 10:45, and 2 Chronicles 16:9 are just a few. We should always remember these things as we go about our work.
There is a special kind of work that we all can do to help every single day and that is to memorize Scripture. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, He will bring His instruction and promises to mind when facing decisions and deciding between right and wrong.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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