>Repetition

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Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard to you. Phil 3:1 NASB

I just love this verse for several reasons. First of all, Paul says, “Finally…” yet he’s only halfway through. Yep, he’s a preacher! (Although, I will state emphatically that my wonderful hubby does not say such things until he really is done!)

But, the more serious reason for loving this verse is Paul’s statement about repetition. It is a rather ironic reason for loving this verse because I hate repetition. It’s boring. It’s annoying. It’s frustrating and so often feels like a waste of time even when I know it’s a necessity. Maybe that’s the real reason I never did well with learning to play instruments. I just could not bring myself to play drills over and over and over and over again.

But the more I teach my children, the more I learn that repetition is so incredibly necessary for learning. Those pesky flashcards must be diligently drilled daily. Reading three different books about a historical figure or event is so much more effective than just one book. Repeating the week’s Scripture memory twice each day provides exponentially more retention that just one read-through.

Repetition is so incredibly essential.

Repetition of spiritual truths is even more critical. And that is Paul’s point. Fortunately for us, Paul had no aversion to repetition. In fact, he seemed to love it! Throughout his letters, Paul says the same things in multiple ways and on multiple occasions.

And even beyond that, the very structure of the whole of Scripture shows that God Himself values repetition. Old and New Testaments alike are full of entire segments of repetition as He drives His truths home for us.

What is God repeating in your life these days? What message seems to crop up no matter who you talk to, what you read, or where you turn? How open are your eyes to those “coincidences” God carefully orchestrates to get your attention?

As annoying and frustrating as it can be, repetition is beautiful. It means God doesn’t give up on us, nor does He tire of teaching us. The reason repetition was “no trouble” to Paul is because his heart belonged to God. Repetition is “no trouble” for Him either. And oh how thankful I am for that!