I’m trying to learn a new language, Spanish. I studied French in school and spoke fluently when I lived in Paris for a while. But for some reason, learning Spanish has proven to be a real challenge. Not because of the language. It’s all about my commitment.

I’ve been trying to learn Spanish for years and years without success. I bought software decades ago but never stuck with the lesson plan. I bought CDs to listen to in my car but found it boring and distracting. I contemplated taking classes, but wasn’t sure if the cost was worth it.

I know learning Spanish would be very helpful. I vacationed frequently in Spanish-speaking countries. I have many Spanish-speaking friends and acquaintances. I hear Spanish so often and long to be able to understand and participate. And yet, in my heart, my motivation fell flat.

Finally one day, my good friend told me about an app she was using to learn Spanish. She said she was really learning and making good progress. She offered to be my partner in my learning journey, to help me stay accountable.

I accepted her offer, and for the first time, yo puedo hablar y entender español, al menos un poco.

Inside the app, my friend can see how many lessons I have completed and how much progress I’ve made. She can also see if I haven’t done any lessons for a few days. She will ask me about it to see how valid my excuse is. And if it’s flimsy, she reminds me why I want to learn and how valuable it will be for me to continue.

“I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.” (Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭6,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Faith in Jesus is similar to any other kind of commitment.

I was claiming a desire to learn Spanish but getting nowhere due to my half-hearted efforts.

In the same way, if I say I believe in Jesus and His saving grace, but never put in any time or effort to deepen that relationship, is it really true? Do I really believe? My faith will be flat and ineffective.

When learning a language, studies say I must practice every day, at least 15 minutes a day, and more is better. I have to concentrate on the words and sentences I read and hear in the exercises and say them out loud. I won’t make progress unless I put my all into it and follow the suggestions.

With my faith, going through the motions won’t get me anywhere. If I go to church but think about what I’m going to have for lunch during the sermon, I won’t grow. If I read a Bible verse but don’t concentrate on its meaning and how it applies to my life, I have gained nothing. If I pray rote words that do not come from my heart, even God will be bored. And if I try to do my faith alone, the challenge to give up is a constant struggle. Like with my Spanish learning, having a partner with shared goals makes all the difference.

To grow closer to God, to know Him and understand His will for my life, to experience His blessings and joy fully, to be an effective witness of His love, I have to commit. I have to put my money where my mouth is, as the (odd) saying goes.

Dear God, please help me to increase my faith in you and become effective in my life of serving you and loving people. Show me the places where I am being half-hearted in my efforts and teach me how to change. Give me fellow believers to encourage me so that I can in turn encourage others.