Practice Makes Perfect

Eileen Gable

Research tells us that more medical professionals have musical training than any other academic profession. The dedication and discipline required to master a musical composition mirror the skills necessary to excel in healthcare professions. Those who enjoy music know the profound sacrifice and extraordinary benefits to practicing one’s skills with the goal of perfection. Practice makes perfect! Or does it?


In New Testament times, God’s people had become “practitioners” performing all the cardinal components of ancient Jewish piety – almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Jesus takes on the “practice of religion” as he continues to teach the crowds and proclaim the arrival of a new kingdom in Matthew 6. His message is simple - practicing religious rites for personal gain invalidates the benefits sought, as only performing these exercises with the intent to glorify God will bring individuals into the Lord’s favor. 


The practice of almsgiving at the time was a religious obligation. There were no rescue funds available, no governmental resources to be distributed for those in need. The family and religious communities were responsible for caring for their own. Individuals who practiced this rite would receive public recognition, as their images or names would be etched in stone to memorialize their generosity. However, almsgiving for public accolades takes God’s glory for oneself. 


At that time, tradition required that those who prayed must stand to do so. It was not this public stance nor the oratory prowess of those who prayed, but one’s relationship with the Lord that marked true prayer. Jesus’ teaching brings the transcendence of the Holy God to meet the intimacy of God the Father. The model for prayer is an amazing template for deepening one’s relationship with the Lord and aligning with His plan. The practice of prayer is not about receiving personal recognition from onlookers. 


While many may not practice fasting today, the Jewish people at the time of Matthew’s writing would have refrained from food on Tuesdays and Thursdays along with using outward markings as legalistic signs of self-denial and sacrifice. The true pious one would wear his or her denial for all to admire. Once again, Jesus focuses on one’s heart and warns hearers to preserve God’s glory for Him alone. Those who fast publicly receive man’s glory, forgetting God’s blessings in return. 


In the last portion of Matthew chapter 6, Jesus gives His listeners exercises to practice. They are to lay up treasures in heaven and to set aside anxiety. Just like the pianist who spends hours working through repetitive scales to strength dexterity, God’s children are asked to spend time practicing the gathering and storing of treasures and stepping away from worry. Isn’t it time we practiced Christianity Jesus’ way – giving in secret, praying from His template, fasting without outward signs, storing up treasures, and letting go of our anxiety?


This Week’s Assignment: Read Matthew chapter 6


This Week’s Prayer: “Lord, we set aside our practices. Lead us to live according to your teaching.” 


This Week’s Song: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rt3QsZYI6k&list=RD8rt3QsZYI6k&start_radio=1


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks2XMOLfNb8&list=RDKs2XMOLfNb8&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04wk5O_I5Co&list=RD04wk5O_I5Co&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvjAjXR6N8U&list=RDbvjAjXR6N8U&start_radio=1


https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hs=Kkv9&sca_esv=6402c387e90bd1d3&rls=en&sxsrf=ANbL-n6Ho__lrfKK71KXmvPWSyHH8DTKSg:1769834670975&udm=7&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpaEWjvZ2Py1XXV8d8KvlI3vWUtYx0DZdicpfE1faGYemg2KC4yuMPyQlIvlWqq2AtzqRRqcwg0j4K8n-wZ8YaVg_-NPajBpLx7BscmAnw64vyBygyBE5qADcDQgicro7ucXLaaQwrVKSLXPqZSFDcu-6u_QxE2_zxOZj41ujZuyX_Hn7xKBA84UimJmf9smbb4PFvrg&q=Narrow+way&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjdtf_2-7SSAxXg48kDHUOHG78QtKgLegQIGxAB&biw=1199&bih=761&dpr=2&aic=0#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:148b3af4,vid:JMq0NvozvUo,st:0

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hs=nPGp&sca_esv=6402c387e90bd1d3&rls=en&sxsrf=ANbL-n4VY8M4tj7aLS0UgrBeHifcDE6kcA:1769835072730&udm=7&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpmAsnXCN5UBx17opt8eaTX5ijYCyJdSZFM4mewRGuivaHuHursf-soOk0JbfkgzOIc6o6g0GARjker0OB7XzWWBnpWAyOnTNgvXYLLOuQNgTVpqcYYSD2KZgzge1n0fuduJe4GDNwkgacGvAucsZi-YYU0HO6_X2aKwQjERRaV1S_EqbbGKrTUGDxYsKcdCUg-L3vRg&q=lead+on+good+shepherd&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6xsi2_bSSAxU3KFkFHTy1BNEQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1199&bih=761&dpr=2&aic=0#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:28693f64,vid:5ArUl9QCqsc,st:0

Newsworthy Notes

By Eileen Gable • February 4, 2026
This December marks a significant moment in Illinois healthcare policy. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (SB 1950/HB 767), making Illinois one of twelve states to legalize physician-assisted suicide. In the days and weeks leading up to the signing, concerned healthcare professionals—joined and led by committed Christian medical students—gathered to pray and to respectfully petition the governor. While the legislation ultimately moved forward, those who assembled sought to remain faithful to the biblical call to honor human life and to provide compassionate care to those experiencing pain and suffering. The passage of this law reflects a broader cultural shift in which practices that hasten death are increasingly framed as acts of compassion. As Christian healthcare professionals, we must respond thoughtfully and faithfully. Scripture teaches that death entered the world through sin, yet through Jesus Christ, sin and death were ultimately defeated. Throughout the biblical narrative—from Moses and the prophets to Jesus Himself—God’s people are consistently called to choose life(Deuteronomy 30:19–20; Proverbs 18:21; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:13–14). The promise of life is repeatedly linked to loving the Lord, walking in His ways, and obeying His commands. A culture of life is both collective and personal. The calls of Moses and the prophets were addressed to entire nations, while Jesus’ call confronts each individual heart. Yet Scripture also reminds us that individuals cannot respond unless the message is proclaimed: “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:11–14). As we grieve the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, we must also reflect soberly on our responsibility within the healthcare community. Cultural transformation begins with personal conviction. If healthcare professionals consistently honored the Lord by providing compassionate, life-affirming care, a collective shift toward life would follow. Our colleagues and trainees will not encounter life-giving truth unless it is shared with them—both through our words and our faithful witness. For CMDA Chicago, this moment serves as a clarion call. What might God do if our training programs were reached with the Gospel? What if the future leaders of healthcare encountered Christ and chose life? Such transformation begins not with legislation, but with hearts renewed by truth. Therefore, we call our community to prayer. Pray that the Lord would soften hearts, grant wisdom to healthcare professionals, strengthen those who stand for life, and open doors for the Gospel. As we enter the Christmas season, may we boldly and prayerfully share the true hope of life—found in Christ alone.

Lift Up Your Eyes to the Harvest

By Eileen Gable • February 4, 2026
.... I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest (John 4:35). It’s harvest time! As we prepare for Thanksgiving feasts and reflect on the season’s abundance, we’re reminded that the true harvest—the harvest of souls—is just beginning. Our friends, families, and colleagues are seeking truth and life. Are we ready to come alongside them, join the conversations God has already begun, and point them to Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life? As the incoming CMDA Chicago Area Director, I am energized by the field before us and the opportunity to share the hope and healing of Jesus within our healthcare community. Across our region, I see: Student leaders ready to bring the Gospel to their campuses, colleagues, and future patients. Healthcare professionals serving with excellence and unwavering faith. Believers committed to whole-person care , living out Christ’s love in practice. A vibrant community that prays, supports, worships, and grows together for God's glory. Programs that equip God’s people to bring Christ’s love into every patient setting, both locally and globally. A movement, Spirit-led and devoted to the Lord , transforming hearts and minds within our healthcare system. What an exciting time to be part of CMDA Chicago? Are you ready to be part of God's plan? WHAT WILL IT TAKE? To build this thriving ministry, we need spiritual, volunteer , and financial partnership: Spiritual Support: Become a prayer partner. Volunteer Support: Give your time—mentor, host, lead, teach. Financial Support: Invest generously in the next generation of Christian healthcare professionals. Annual Budget Goal: $100,000 Examples of giving impact: 1 donor at $100,000 2 donors at $50,000 10 donors at $10,000 20 donors at $5,000 100 donors at $1,000 500 donors at $200 1,000 donors at $100 Together, we can build a ministry that encourages, equips, and mobilizes healthcare professionals to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Will you join us? cmda.org/gablegive Next Steps: Step Into the Harvest Fields Join the Mission of CMDA Chicago! Pray: Zoom prayer meetings, campus prayer walks, or local gatherings. Serve: Mentor students, be a prayer partner, or speak on campus. Give: