One of my friends in school could parody every teacher in the school; it was funny to see him imitating someone because he would show their most obvious habits and behaviors that were not always noticeable in daily life.
Let’s think about our own habits, starting from the most significant and repetitive, to the less obvious. What do those look like? Are you surprised with some of your habits? Have you ever noticed how important habits are in our life? Often, repetitive actions, phrases, and behaviors stay in our life and form us.
We are often captivated by good preaching and resolve to change our life. But if someone asked us how we changed in the last year, they will most likely hear about attempts and temporary victories, and not about any big changes. I have often been upset about how much preaching I hear and how little of it makes it into application in my life. At some point I realized that I have to develop my spiritual habits instead of hoping for an instant solution. Only practices that remain in my life on a daily basis can change me, my life, and influence. In the Bible we are often called to persistence, constancy and steadfastness. For example, when Paul writes to Timothy “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”(1 Tim 4:16), Paul also said “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) and many other places. The common theme is to continue in spiritual practices. Let’s practice perseverance in our own spiritual habits.
Vitaly Nemets
