Word of the Week - Habits
"Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:26
Habits are acquired modes of behavior that become almost involuntary. Typically these patterns are acquired by frequent repetition or by being around others who engage in similar repetitive activities. Most Habits and routines are either good and healthy or negative and unhealthy. Some habits can be more neutral but either way, our Habits, routines and rhythms have a meaningful impact on our life and the impact or lack of impact we have on the world around us, so they are very important.
The power of Habits – I recently listened to a podcast by Craig Groeschel titled “High Impact Habits for Successful Leaders” Habits and leadership . I am a big believer in the power of our life habits and rhythms and how they impact every area of our lives. Since our lives are really the sum total of what we do, what we do each day really matters, especially over time. If we understand this truth, then we can begin to work toward developing good and godly habits and purging ourselves of habits that are keeping us from being all that we are called to be in Christ. By the way, this is the process of sanctification in Christ over the course of our lives. Habits can also be equated to disciplines and we know that when we are born of the spirit of God, He gives us a new perspective. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity (staying stuck in bad habits), but ofpower, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 I love this quote by my friend John Maxwell “I can predict thelong-term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.”
The who of Habits not the what – The real question is not what do I need to do but who do I want to become. Over time our daily habits along with the people we spend time with, shape us into who we are. For example, a little over 21 years ago I was born again in Christ and started a new journey in my walk of faith and began reading God’s word every morning. This became a daily Habit/rhythm for me and now I have read the bible over 20 times from cover to cover. In doing so, I have come to really know God through His word and even more importantly, I have come to know my true identity in Christ. This daily Habit has really helped shape me into a new creation in Christ. The essence of who I am has been transformed over the years as I have grown in my relationship with Jesus. There are many other Habits/disciplines related to my walk of faith and relationship with God that played a part in my transformation and sanctification, which is ongoing. What we do, really impacts who we become. Prior to this meaningful experience, I desired to know God and more about my faith and beliefs but my daily Habits and actions were not aligned with this desire. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Great Habits with Relationships are the winning combination – Even though our Habits and routines are very important in who we become and how effective we are in life, they cannot produce fruit without love and relationship. We are not robots, we are triune beings that have a spirit, heart/soul and body and we were made for relationship. Relationships can be greatly complimented by good Habits because what we do really impacts our relationships. For example, I can say and do all the right things with my wife by taking her on dates, routinely giving her flowers and telling her the right things, but if she doesn’t know and feel my connection to her through love and relationship, we are destined for failure. That being said, I can love my wife and have all the best intentions but if I don’t set aside frequent quality time to spend with her and make that a priority, then our relationship will suffer and not be healthy and flourish. Love is action and taking action shows love but action alone is not love. This reminds me of the somewhat controversial topic if faith and works outlined in James 2:14-16 “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In thesame way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead”
Even small habits compounded over time can be game changers in life. So take time to identify one habit you can start in 2022 and one bad habit you want to stop in 2022.
Have a great week!!!!
-Duane