What Does It Mean To “Put Into Practice”? A Challenge For Men

Paul issued the radical challenge, Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.

Since the Church was birthed, religion has always been a very antithetical force against the life force of “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Religion diligently lays down its laws to be followed whereas Christ deliberately laid down his life to be followed.

The abundant life God has for us is not found in religion. This life can be found in, putting into practice, the laying down of our own life in the service of others. Jesus said it like this, Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

The following text from the Old Covenant clearly expresses The Father’s heart: “My people come to you, as they usually do, to sit before you and hear your words, but they do not put them into practice (asah). Their mouths speak of love but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” Ezek 33:31. Asah. Hebrew. To do or make, accomplish, advance or bring forth.

In the New Covenant we find the Father’s heart has not changed: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice (prasso) is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. Matthew 7:24, 26. Prasso. Gk, To practice or live like with the idea of performing habitually.

Consider this comment by the Roman historian Flavius Vegitus. The courage of a soldier is heightened by his knowledge of his profession, and he only wants to execute (put into practice) what he is convinced he has been perfectly taught. A handful of men inured to war proceed to certain victory, while on the contrary, armies of raw undisciplined troops are but multitudes of men dragged to slaughter.’ This is why our Lord commanded, “Make Disciples”.

As a fresh college graduate I had no clue about what was required to become a Naval Officer, let alone, a combat aviator. The same could be said when a man becomes a Christian, “no clue”. Fortunately, the navy recognized this deficiency and initially supplied me with Marine Corps drill instructors, then flight instructors, and then seasoned combat aviators to clearly demonstrate to me personally the art of combat aviation in the arena of actual live combat.

In the process of “learning” combat aviation, I grew together with my brothers. There was never a question as to whether we loved each other, that was a given. In fact, Forty-Four of my squadron brothers gave their lives in simply serving each other and a vision they believed in. Their sacrifice, and the commitment of those around me, served to prepare me to face the enemy and, with practice, then lead men into battle. The simple principle of “putting into practice” what I had been taught was the key.

To the degree that Christian leaders understand and incorporate this process of making disciples is the degree to which the American Church, our communities, and nation will become populated with strong and vibrant families. “Armies of raw undisciplined troops” assemble in our buildings each Sunday. As leaders and brothers, we must be intentional about, or prasso, our Lord’s command to “make disciples”. Why not try this principle of putting into practice?

Developed by: Barney Barnes, Warrior Spirit Ministries, 11-30-18