What must I practice daily in relation to my spiritual life?

Joshua 1:8-9“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 24:23“All right then,” Joshua said, “destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Psalm 1:1-3Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Revelation 21:27Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The old saying “practice makes perfect” could not be more relevant to the Christian life. As we strive to be perfect as Jesus was perfect, we will only make progress if we practice. And one of the most important things we must practice is learning to daily turn our hearts toward God by turning away from “idols.” Yes, we all worship idols today, because an idol is anything that is more important to us than God. Our idols are often so tangible and tempting (hobbies, gadgets, television, work, etc.). And God often seems so intangible and unapproachable. These things that mostly occupy our time are distractions. But distractions become idols if they consistently pull us away from God to the point where we no longer know him as we should. Every day we must practice giving up one of our “things” and replacing those moments with time with God and God’s Word. If we cannot do this, our things have become idols, which we might need to give up completely. It won’t feel good at first giving up something you love to do or have. But let this daily “giving up” become a daily divine moment where you “give yourself over” to God. Replacing one “thing” each day to grow deeper in your relationship with God will feel better than anything you can imagine.