Basics

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word … do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.” – Psalm 119:9-11 NASB

Experienced musicians, eager to advance their careers, can find themselves concentrating on difficult music, feeling that basics are just for beginners. But as many experts testify, fundamentals are essential for advancement and development. They are just as important for experienced professionals as they are for beginners.

Underscoring this point, one legendary trumpeter stressed the importance of warming up and practicing long tones. A celebrated trombonist said that aspiring musicians must practice slow scales. Like many skilled professionals, these experts taught students to concentrate on playing clearly and with a better tone. They taught them never to overlook the basics and to realize the way to advance is to slow down and keep concentrating on fundamentals.

These same principles apply to our spiritual lives. We can easily take for granted basics, such as reading the Bible, and forget the importance of Bible study at every stage of life. We must continually dig deeper into the Word, memorize it, and pray.

God has not made it complicated. We simply need to trust Him with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. As we do these things and acknowledge Him, He promises to make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have you neglected the basics? Remember that they are key to avoiding mistakes, staying on the right path, and moving toward maturity. Stay humble before God and foster an intimate relationship with Him. Talk with Him, and never tire of studying His Word.

Reflection Question: Do you need to slow down and go back to spiritual basics?