The Power of Habits Prt. 1: Be Diligent
We are creatures of habit, aren’t we? Our morning routines follow the same patterns, sit in the same spot at church, order the same drink at the coffee shop, and even brush our teeth the same way.
This isn’t a bad thing. God created us like that. However, habits can either make us or break us. For example, having a habit of exercise is an excellent thing, while a habit of reaching for sweets when we’re bored? Not so much!
When a habit is established, it can help us be successful in whatever area of life we need. It’s about doing the little things that will pave the way for big success.
There are many ideas about which habits you should develop in your life. But I want to focus on the spiritual practices that will grow us in our Christian walks. We’re not supposed to stay the same after asking Jesus into our hearts, but instead, put habits in place that will help our souls be transformed by the Word of God. Many wait for God to do all the work, “change me, Lord!” Well, He won’t change anything you don’t want to be changed! Therefore, this month (on the podcast and blog), we will discuss developing habits that will bring us closer to God.
In Philippians 3:17, Paul says, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” In other words, Paul tells them to adopt the same habits he has established for living a Christian life. We’re to learn from others who have found success and adopt what has proven to work for them.
Be Diligent
The Bible talks a lot about having diligence. Webster’s Dictionary defines diligence as “a steady, earnest, and energetic effort: devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking.” Diligence doesn’t just happen. We have to put effort into it.
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:1, “if you diligently obey…”
Romans 12:11 - “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Proverbs 4:23 - “Keep your heart with all diligence.”
2 Peter 1:5 - “Giving all diligence, add to your faith.”
Proverbs 12:27 - “the lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.”
2 Corinthians 8:7 - “But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us….”
There are many more scriptures about diligence, but I think you get the idea. The cool thing about habits is that it takes diligence to build a routine, but once it’s made, the habit takes over, and there’s no stopping you!
We have to be diligent to
Break down what hasn’t worked for you. What habits have you inadvertently put into your days that aren’t serving you? Do you habitually reach for your phone to scroll through social media? Maybe you have a habit of swearing, or perhaps you have a habit of numbing yourself by consuming alcohol and other drugs or food. Harmful addictions are built because of habits.
Build the life you want through positive habits.
4 Areas You need Habits
You need to consider four areas when considering what habits you need to build in your life.
Self - Who do you want to show up as in the world? If you want to be loving (like we are commanded to do), what habits do you need to quit or build to be more loving? For example, quit gossiping about others and complaining and start finding one person you can encourage daily.
Relationships - How do you want others to remember you, or what feelings do you want them to have? My oldest son is really good at this. When he was in High School, it seemed as though everyone at HS state events knew him and considered him their best friend. I was very curious as to why these people I had never seen or heard of would think they were best friends. He told me that his goal was to give his full attention when conversing with someone. He would ask about them and make a genuine connection that made them feel like they were best friends. Wow! We need to be that intentional with all of our relationships.
Skills - what skills do you need to develop to accomplish your dreams? Conversely, what skills do you already have that you are not sharing with others or using?
Service - What contributions are you making in your community, church, work, and with family and friends? Perhaps you need to get into the habit of volunteering at church (please do this)!
The bottom line is that it takes diligence to create any change in your life. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Don’t give up, and you will reap incredible blessings and rewards.
Come back next week when we will discuss how to be intentional with our habits.
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