January 15th, 2025
by Matt Townsend
by Matt Townsend
What often looks simple is actually the result of years of practice and discipline. What seems effortless is often the fruit of countless hours of hard work. Let me illustrate.
The other night, as our family gathered for one of our favorite pastimes—picking videos on YouTube—my children chose lighthearted clips from America's Got Talent and Daily Dose on the Internet, quick laughs and glimpses of talent always just a click away.
Then, it was my turn. A video appeared that I couldn’t resist: Yo-Yo Ma performing Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude at the re-opening of Notre-Dame de Paris. As a lover of classical music, I was eager to watch.
When I pressed play, great weeping and gnashing of teeth rose from my daughters. “Daaaayyyyaaaaddd, whyyyyyyyaaa?! This is soooo borrringgggaaaa!!!” they lamented. But I pressed on, certain the moment would reveal something greater than their protests.
What happened next was magical. Their impatience slowly transformed. One by one, their faces softened, and their gazes grew rapt. The music filled the room. There, in the vastness of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Yo-Yo Ma sat alone, his bow gliding effortlessly across the strings. The sound of the cello soared through the air like a prayer, yet resonating with profound intimacy.
With every note, my daughters became captivated, drawn into a world where time no longer mattered. Yo-Yo’s serene smile and fluid fingers conjured a melody that seemed to come not from effort, but from love itself—a love for music, life, and the soul.
In that sacred space, their impatience gave way to awe. What had seemed so simple—so effortless—was actually the result of years of practice, discipline, and dedication. It was the culmination of hard work, of refining a craft to perfection.
This principle applies not only to music but also to spiritual maturity. Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:8 remind us: “While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Sometimes, I wish spiritual maturity was something that just happened—with no effort on my part. I imagine even Yo-Yo Ma wished the same, occasionally wanting to skip the hours spent practicing the cello instead of enjoying a carefree night. “Jesus, just snap your fingers and make me new!” But spiritual growth isn’t like that. We call it progressive sanctification for a reason.
Sanctification is God’s work of shaping us into the likeness of His Son. It’s a process that takes time, effort, and relationship with Jesus. It’s about spending time in His Word, in prayer, in fellowship, and living out His mission. These disciplines lead to spiritual maturity.
So, don’t grow weary in them. Make these disciplines a regular part of your life. Even in seasons of spiritual dryness, don’t neglect them. In time, they will help transform you into the person you long to be—the person who reflects Jesus.
The other night, as our family gathered for one of our favorite pastimes—picking videos on YouTube—my children chose lighthearted clips from America's Got Talent and Daily Dose on the Internet, quick laughs and glimpses of talent always just a click away.
Then, it was my turn. A video appeared that I couldn’t resist: Yo-Yo Ma performing Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude at the re-opening of Notre-Dame de Paris. As a lover of classical music, I was eager to watch.
When I pressed play, great weeping and gnashing of teeth rose from my daughters. “Daaaayyyyaaaaddd, whyyyyyyyaaa?! This is soooo borrringgggaaaa!!!” they lamented. But I pressed on, certain the moment would reveal something greater than their protests.
What happened next was magical. Their impatience slowly transformed. One by one, their faces softened, and their gazes grew rapt. The music filled the room. There, in the vastness of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Yo-Yo Ma sat alone, his bow gliding effortlessly across the strings. The sound of the cello soared through the air like a prayer, yet resonating with profound intimacy.
With every note, my daughters became captivated, drawn into a world where time no longer mattered. Yo-Yo’s serene smile and fluid fingers conjured a melody that seemed to come not from effort, but from love itself—a love for music, life, and the soul.
In that sacred space, their impatience gave way to awe. What had seemed so simple—so effortless—was actually the result of years of practice, discipline, and dedication. It was the culmination of hard work, of refining a craft to perfection.
This principle applies not only to music but also to spiritual maturity. Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:8 remind us: “While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Sometimes, I wish spiritual maturity was something that just happened—with no effort on my part. I imagine even Yo-Yo Ma wished the same, occasionally wanting to skip the hours spent practicing the cello instead of enjoying a carefree night. “Jesus, just snap your fingers and make me new!” But spiritual growth isn’t like that. We call it progressive sanctification for a reason.
Sanctification is God’s work of shaping us into the likeness of His Son. It’s a process that takes time, effort, and relationship with Jesus. It’s about spending time in His Word, in prayer, in fellowship, and living out His mission. These disciplines lead to spiritual maturity.
So, don’t grow weary in them. Make these disciplines a regular part of your life. Even in seasons of spiritual dryness, don’t neglect them. In time, they will help transform you into the person you long to be—the person who reflects Jesus.
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