The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

—1 Timothy 6:11–12

Following Christ is active. It requires fleeing the love of money, the cravings of this world (1 Timothy 6:9–10), the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It requires resisting the devil and submitting to God (James 4:7). It requires pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, and all other fruits of the Spirit.

It requires putting on the armor of God so when temptation comes, we’re ready to resist with the truth (Ephesians 6:10–18) and fight the fight of faith despite an enemy who wants to knock our confidence in God out of us at every turn.

None of this is mere accident. Just as none of us will become proficient at the piano by looking over a piano score each morning, we will not build a strong faith by reading a few verses. We must put our hands to the keys over and over—be in the Word, spend time in prayer, and intentionally implement that Word in our lives, thoughts, and actions—before it will become fruitful, consistent, and natural in our actions and everyday lives. 

Our spirit is often willing, but our flesh is weak, just as many wish they could play the piano but never put in the effort and discipline.

Following Christ requires we discipline our flesh in order to become strong in practicing our faith. Running the race with endurance requires training (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).

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