Why is it important to practice spiritual virtues and disciplines?

Genesis 39:6-12Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. . . . She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.

Practice brings progress, in action and understanding. When you are learning to play the piano, you need to learn the basics and practice them over and over. Eventually you master the basics and only then are you prepared to practice pieces of greater difficulty. Each piece practiced builds upon the previous piece, making the basics second nature while expanding your understanding of music. Practicing spiritual disciplines is just as important for mastering the basics of Christian living and deepening your understanding of God and his call on your life. The more you practice disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and serving others in need, the more you grow in spiritual maturity as you strive to be the person God created you to be. When practicing spiritual virtues you must also practice avoiding their vices. Like Joseph, when practicing purity or integrity, you must also practice avoiding sexual temptation. Practicing these two concepts in tandem is important preparation for the moment temptation strikes the hardest. Then like Joseph you will be able to do the right thing. Your beliefs are evidenced by what you practice. Consistently practicing a life of faith in God demonstrates to yourself and others how important God is to you.

Psalm 119:34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

1 Timothy 4:8-16“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Hebrews 6:1-3So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

Practicing learned skills and acquiring competence in new ones leads to growth in every area of life, particularly in the spiritual area of life and our relationship with God. You will not grow spiritually by accident; there is enough resistance to insure that if you are not giving attention to development, you are actually losing ground spiritually.