Apprenticing through Practice. “Measure twice, cut once.” Carpenter-trainees know the phrase well. When setting out to cut a piece of lumber, the worker employs his time wisely, even when a few extra seconds are called for. By taking care to measure and mark the piece – not once but twice – the craftsman guards against making mistakes (some can be costly!) and avoids senseless waste.
The “measure-twice” phrase loops in the head repeatedly during an apprentice’s early tutoring under the guidance of their craftsman-teacher. The mantra, being revisited again and again over time – in both the mind and in bodily action transforms an important feature within the carpenter wannabe. They are never the same and are happy for the change.
The carpenter apprentice might at first regard the “measure-twice” action as a pointless waste of time. But not for long.
Any successful tradesman in any field has applied himself to (firstly) be a keenly attentive learner and (secondly) to ceaselessly practice practice – practice.
We don’t have to look far within Scripture to spot a seasoned master practitioner in the field of aligning one’s self to the way of Jesus Christ.
What does Paul coach the believer in after he pitches to them some helpful measures in re-framing their thought life, i.e. toward things of “excellence”? As a spiritual journeyman, so to speak, Paul invites this: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
*Philippians 4:9 -©2025 Jerry Lout
