Frequency = Regularity

There are many practices we engage in with increased regularity; the frequency is intense. We take up these practices because we believe they are good for us or because they help us with those around us. Some of these practices we talk about, others we just do without saying a word.

As we raise children, it’s at this stage of life that we discover our thoughts on the frequency or regularity of certain behaviors. It’s rare that you think about brushing your own teeth, after all you do it automatically. Yet, with your kids, you have to ask, “did you brush your teeth?” Other behaviors like wiping your mouth after taking a drink or eating something messy are so common that we think people do these automatically, but really they are behaviors that are set in due to frequency.

This is easier for us to understand when we think of issues like fitness or dieting. These practices force us to evaluate our frequency. How often we eat sweets or sit in front of the TV are effected by our desire to be in better shape. We adjust our frequency patterns, our regularities to shape a desired result. We even increase or decrease our frequencies when it comes to relationships. If we like someone, we increase the regularity (frequency) of seeing them. If we don’t like someone, we decrease it.

Our lives are effected by our frequency (regularity). Our relationships are impacted by our regularity (frequency). Our spiritual lives; our relationship with our creator, redeemer, restorer, is related to the regularity we give to listening, praying, reading, studying, abstaining, and engaging in activities that draw us close to God.

Consider the words of James when he encourages his readers, “come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8)

Fine Tuning

• What practices are there in your life that you do without any real thought? How did you learn those practices?
• How does frequency relate to exercise, dieting, or even learning a new subject?
• If you rarely spend time with those you “care about”, how is the relationship affected?
• What happens when you go out of your way to make a relationship with someone new?
• Men and women of faith have practiced various forms of activities in varying frequencies to make themselves available to God. Some of these acts are contemplative (i.e. prayer, study, fasting, solitude). Other acts are relational or communal (i.e. service, celebration, hospitality). Each of these acts is to focus the heart, mind, and soul are connecting with God. How do these help us “come close to God”?
• Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Many struggle with a desire to come close to God because they do not understand him. How does this passage encourage you to come closer to God? What steps can you take to come close to God this week?