One of the issues I face as I spend my life pursuing and propagating the Christian faith is that it all grows too familiar.

The problem surfaces when I realize that I’ve heard a sermon on this topic before, or I’ve read a similar book, or a discussion reminds me of another years ago.

I face a dullness of hearing. Only though hard work – training by constant practice – do I grow in my discernment and wisdom in the faith. Without that, my ability to hear fades into a comfortable haze.

Living as a Christ-follower means work and discipline and practice. There’s no other way, no shortcuts, no wide paths. Jesus promises an easy yoke, but still a yoke – a creature under a yoke pulls.

With discipline and practice, my hearing sharpens, my discernment improves, and my life follows. I respond less to the racket of the world, and more to the voice of the Lord.

Hebrews 5 in week eight of reading the Bible cover to cover