Two things my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach says to us all the time: 1) “Basics win fights,“ and 2) Nothing beats "time on the mat."
What he’s saying is fundamentals are required to win fights. So we need to practice and master the basics, instead of always trying to do fancy moves.
No matter how many hours of videos you watch or how many books you read on this sport, nothing compares to the lessons and the growth you’ll experience when you actually fight and try out the moves you’ve learned. You’ll begin to figure out what you’re missing, what you need to grow in, etc. Nothing prepares you like, “time on the mat."
So it is with this discipleship we have with Christ.
We must learn the fundamental “moves” (commands) Christ taught and expects us to know. And we must try them, drill them, practice them many times, over and over again, putting in plenty of “mat time." It is only when we’ve done this that we can confidently say that His way is better, that it works, and that it leads to victory.
Below are a few Arguments against Practicing the Commands of Christ
The concern: “This feels legalistic.”
Then don’t make it legalistic! Remember, as Dallas Willard once said, “…grace is not opposed to effort but to earning.”
The concern: “We have to be careful of context.”
Then study the context! Study the context in which the commands were given, then interpret and try practicing them in your life.
The concern: “What if I don’t do it right or mess up?”
It’s simple, the great Coach corrects and steers your course once you attempt and try the teachings of Christ. Putting the commands into practice is what helps perfect them, not the other way around.
The concern: “Which ones do I start with?”
Start with any of them for now. It’s like someone saying, “how far should I run and exercise and how fast?” The goal should be to simply start running, day by day, and in time you’ll figure out a better routine for yourself but the goal should be to just start.
Do yourself a big favor and memorize the commands, ask the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to help interpret and apply the commands into your daily life. Pick one to three commands a day and try them! Here’s a link to all the I AM statements and the 49 Commands of Christ.
Get drilling!