BACK TO THE BASICS

“A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
New American Standard Bible

Man realized simply using one strand or fiber provided virtually no strength, two fibers added more strength. However, three strands twisted together in different directions proved to be much more than three times stronger than the single strand. With that premise in mind, we have the cord of three strands. This idea is used in wedding ceremonies symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. Today, the 3 fold cord will serve as a reminder of the three BASIC Christian disciplines of Bible Study, Prayer/Meditation, and Fasting. This three-fold cord of disciplines in the life of the believer will ensure the victorious Christian life.

Disciplined living for the Christian means an intentional surrender to the superiority of the Spirit leading to the Lordship of Christ over all of life. Through the tests of life, the believer’s life must be reinforced by consistent engagement in the three disciplines. These three BASIC disciplines should not be regarded as drudgery, unpleasant or some legalistic requirement, but rather a source of joy, strength and peace. Actually, it is the response of the believer to the grace of God. The disciplines are the means by which we are changed into the image and likeness of God and should not be neglected.

PRAYER/MEDITATION – Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest says, “We look upon prayer as getting things for ourselves. The Bible idea of prayer is that we may know God.” Prayer also needs to be stressed as a dialogue, as a communion between us and God. A new Christian asked the pastor what he must do to pray. The pastor said, “Prayer is not doing something, it is being with someone.”
BIBLE STUDY/DEVOTIONAL READING – Searching the scriptures to understand the heart and mind of God is essential to the victorious Christian life. The Bible must not be handled just to learn more information, but to allow the still small voice of God to teach, instruct and correct our lives.
FASTING – Denying the flesh of food is not exactly pleasurable or popular, but certainly a necessity. Missing a few meals reveals what is really controlling us, either the body or the spirit. Fasting increases our effectiveness in prayer and increases spiritual power for deliverance from bondages.

These are lifelong disciplines for the believer. Let’s get back to the basics and ensure our Christian lives are a 3-fold cord that will empower us to endure until the end.