Forming Holy Habits
Each morning, I get out of bed, make a cup of coffee, eat breakfast, and get ready for the day. This may seem like an ordinary morning routine, however I may have forgotten the part about sleeping in and hitting the snooze button on my alarm about three times. These are just a few bad habits that make up part of my morning.
Our daily routines are established by our habits. While habits are not inherently bad, they have some disadvantages. We as humans have a natural tendency to form habits that make us feel safe, secure, and organized. This inclination comes from our hearts pursuing something that has captured its attention. What we love is revealed through our habits. James A. Smith once said, “Your deepest desire is the one manifested by your daily life and habits. This is because our action—our doing—bubbles up from our loves, which, as we’ve observed, are habits we’ve acquired through the practices we’re immersed in.” Our habits shape us into a certain kind of person, whether we are aware of it or not. The individual we are becoming is rooted in our actions and what we love. As believers, it is our responsibility to realize what makes up our everyday to-do list.
It is often difficult for us to admit that we have unhealthy habits that drive us away from Christ. Most of us would likely say that we love Jesus and have a desire to serve Him. However, our love for Christ does not take away from the fact that we live in a fallen, sinful world. We will experience obstacles and road-blocks that we need to be aware of. How do we become aware of them? By examining our habits.
Considering our habits can often cause some confusion. It is not uncommon to struggle to know what habits are healthy and unhealthy. While examining our habits, we must ask ourselves: is this helping me or harming me as a Christian? If you are unsure of what habits of a Christian should look like, take some time to study some of the great spiritual heroes. Ultimately, our desire should be for our habits to be God-honoring. Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father himself.” As our desire to glorify God grows, so will our loves be rightly focused. When our hearts are directed towards worship to our Savior, our habits will reflect our worship.
When it comes to establishing healthy patterns in our lives, I have found that spending time with Christ and acknowledging Him in all of our ways is one of the most important and rewarding habits we can ever develop. Developing Godly habits does not happen overnight. Like anything else it takes time and effort. Statistics show that on average, it takes 66 days in order to form a new habit.
Creating a habit of putting Christ first in everything that we do is also necessary. No matter how hard we try, we cannot have godly routines if we do not put him first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Christ must be at the center of who we are as Christians. Otherwise, we will fail.
There are so many wonderful examples in the Bible of believers who had godly habits. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we find illustrations of consistent Christian living. Noah was able to build an ark, because he had made obedience to Christ a priority. Joseph was able to help govern Egypt, since he chose forgiveness and trusted God through it all. Joshua was able to lead the Israelites, because he had been mentored by Moses, who had helped him to develop his gifts. These are just a few of the many great Christian examples.
As we draw closer to Christ by spending time in His Word and in prayer, He will be faithful to us. Hebrews 11:6 says “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” We are not on our own when it comes to forming our habits. He is a loving Heavenly Father who will guide us through the Holy Spirit. As we walk in the light that we are given, He will continue to help us. He remembers that we are human and has given us the Holy Spirit to aid us in self-control, which is a crucial aspect of changing habits.
Comments
Post a Comment