I sit back in my chair in my office. I often like to sit back with my feet resting on the desk and laptop in my, well, lap. Staring at my bookshelves, I see one of the several books I’ve turned facing out. This reminds me of a book I wish to remember.
There at the top is Seth Godin’s The Practice: Shipping Creative Work. I highly recommend this one.
I have been thinking about style versus substance. Let’s say, for example, at church. The example works also for personal development seminars and even technology presentations. But, let’s stick with church.
There are churches that specialize on experience. You go, as if to a rock concert. You expect to be entertained. You’ll get some lively music. Perhaps a few words about the work of the organization. Then a teacher will try for the final 30 minutes to get you motivated. Then you leave.
And life goes on.
I’ve been involved with people whose focus is on decision. The focus is on getting another person to decide to believe in Jesus.
I’ve always been haunted by the question—then what?
I might like the entertainment, the style, for a brief moment. Maybe I say Hi to a few people I see each week. And that is it.
But where is the mentor relationship? The depth? Beginning the practice of following Jesus?
Yesterday I fast-walked about 3 miles followed by resistance weight training followed by 20 minutes in the hot tub. Today, Yoga replaced the resistance work. It’s my daily practice. Just like a daily practice of writing. And meditation. Well, also of eating nutritionally dense meals (thanks to my wife).
The challenge—how do we help people begin and maintain the practice of following Jesus? I think that is a lot of what Paul and James tried to do in their letters. Get us out of our comfort zone and both practice and help others practice.
Faith Venture 
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