Fundamentals are critical to staying in shape
Pro football teams are starting to practice for the upcoming fall season. I listened to Bill Belicheck, the head coach of the New England Patriots, describe the goal of the first few days of practice last week. He said their goals were to get a good hold of the fundamentals – conditioning, footwork, timing, teamwork. Each day they were hoping to review and build on fundamentals, and each day get better at the basics.
I’ve discovered that fundamentals are critical to every discipline and profession. They are necessary to not only get in shape, but maintain your efficiency and productivity. One workout program I practice is called the Proverbs Workout. It involves reading and meditating on one chapter of Proverbs a day for a month. The goal is consistent intake of God’s Word, which is fundamental to our spiritual health and growth. The keys are focusing on one chapter, chewing on it slowly and allowing it to take root in your life as God directs. To help you get started, here is a listing of a Scripture McNugget from each chapter:
(1:7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
(2:12) Wisdom will protect you from evil
(3:5-6) Trust God’s wisdom
(4:1) Listen to your dad
(5:3-6) Avoid sexual temptation
(6:6) Learn good work habits
(7:7-9) Learn good judgment to avoid the sins of youth
(8:13) Avoid evil behavior and perverse speech
(9:17-18) Secret sins lead to death
(10:4) Laziness leads to poverty
(11:16) Be kind if you want respect
(12:1) You are ignorant if you do not listen to instruction
(13:10) Pride leads to arguments
(14:14) Faithlessness will be rewarded
(15:3) God watches over us
(16:28) Gossip breaks up friendships
(17:10) Discerning people learn from being rebuked
(18:10) God’s name is a refuge
(19:17) Being kind to poor people honors God
(20:1) Allowing yourself to be led astray by alcohol is foolish
(21:17) Loving pleasure leads to poverty
(22:1) Having a good name is better than being rich
(23:13) The discipline of children is a good thing
(24:13) Honey is good for you
(25:16) Too much honey (gluttony) is not good for you
(26:11) Repeating sin is not good for you
(27:21) You are tested by the praise you receive
(28:24) Dishonoring your parents is wrong
(29:11) A wise person learns and practices self control
(30:5) The Word of the Lord is flawless and helpful
(31:10) A good wife is worth more than rubies
Grow devotionally. Get a journal and keep a record of valuable insights you gain from reading one chapter of Proverbs each day. One chapter of the Bible a day can help keep the weight of sin off and firm up your spiritual muscles. This sort of diet may not get you a job in pro football or add to your resume, but it will help you grow in your knowledge of God and what kind of person He expects you to become. Read Proverbs as a daily habit and start your fundamental training today.
Love is a verb,
Mike
