It is possible to live the first year of the Christian life 20 times, rather than living 20 years of the Christian life! To ensure that this does not happen, a disciple needs to do two things: (1) to acquire basic skills through a daily, habitual walk with God, and (2) to approach all of life in terms of definite goals and a specific system of guidance.  David exemplified this dual life purpose in a powerful way. Asaph wrote of him, “God chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with the integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them” (Psalm 78:70-72, NIV). David was able to skillfully lead the people only because he sought God daily. He was able to shepherd them with integrity only insofar as he followed the laws and principles of God.  In many ways, successfully living the Christian life is like learning to ride a bicycle. The back wheel of the bicycle might represent the basics of a disciple’s life-the daily disciplines which require commitment and “skillful hands.” The front wheel of the bicycle would represent the disciple’s character and guidance system-the “integrity of heart” so vital to a maturing Christian’s life.