Back to the Basics

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer life, being both alert and intent in praying with thanksgiving. Col. 4:2 (Amp)

Last week, high school band students across the state participated in county and district tryouts. Each musician competed against others for these elite spots. Our son competed in the snare drum, demonstrating his skill with a prepared music piece, sight-reading and rudiments. He has competed musically for many years, but this is the first time the word rudiments has ever come into play... and it got me thinking.

Rudiments. It means the basics. The basic elements of playing snare are the roll, the flam and the paradiddle.

Rudiments. The basics of the Christian life. Prayer, Worship and Bible study.

I wonder if God is pleased with me. Not because I want a great score on the "tryout for heaven." There's no way to ever "score" high enough to be worthy of heaven. That's why His love is filled with grace.

Rather, I know I am not always faithful in the rudiments of Christian living. There are days when I am "too busy for God." I skip my morning quiet time. I pray the gimmee prayer: gimmee peace; gimmee favor in traffic because I woke up late; gimmee a break - these kids are driving me crazy! I worship each weekend, but sometimes I can spend a day grumbling about my circumstances.

Christians across the world begin a 21 day fast this week. (It started last night at sundown). During this fast, I plan to dedicate my heart to the rudiments: prayer, worship and Bible study. It's all God asks.