Habits . . . good or bad?

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.(Philippians 2:12-13)

Got any habits? Think about it for a minute or two . . . . 

Unconscious, sometimes planned, automatic routines that shape our live can be defined as habits. Bad habits or good habits, as human beings we must admit we get stuck in ritualistic behaviors.

 We have morning routines, driving routines, even weekend routines. When those routines, or habits, get disturbed, we become befuddled, sometimes a bit lost, and often a bit angry! But why?????

Habits in our spiritual life can lead to a daily focus upon God but can also cause us to completely miss the point. As Christ-followers, we tend to routinely pray in the mornings, over meals, and at the end of the day. It can become routine, mundane, and more like a check list. Anyone with me?

If we find ourselves stuck in the habitual routines of life (like I do a lot), then maybe it is time to change the routine and begin some new and consistent habits.

Sometimes we need a fresh start . . . a clean slate. Is 4:30 a.m. the best time for time with the Lord? Maybe it might be a quiet lunch with our bible or even with a friend? What about a family dinner bible study once in a while to break the routine (habit)? Examine our routines and begin some fresh ones . . . spiritually. 

What works . . . what doesn't work . . . what new habits can we begin to jump start our daily routine?

One thing to remember, we are all individuals. God made us that way! We must grow with God as He leads us. Even the apostles took time to really get to know Jesus and develop good habits! Remember Peter???? Enjoy the process  . . . everyone!

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.(Philippians 2:12-13)

struggles

Surface actions do not line up with inner thoughts . . . sound familiar . . .sounds a lot like the struggles Paul went through doesn't it? This CHRISTian life is a struggle . . . at least for me!

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7: 15-20)

Living fully for God begins in the mind. We can actually be living what looks like a God-centered life yet in our minds we fight and struggle. Others look at us and think: "What a great CHRISTian!" Yet we look inward and see such a failure. We have to keep repeating what God has done for us. He has redeemed us with His blood! He alone can transform our minds by the washing of His Blood and the guidance of His Spirit.

In the struggles, we must keep our minds stayed upon His promise! Jesus is a Person we know and not a place we go! The struggle is a process but He struggles through with us. We are beloved, chosen and redeemed . . . believe that!