I am getting into the "habit" of saying something kind or actually performing an act of kindness for someone each and everyday. Usually when we refer to someone having a "habit", we are usually referring to something bad--habit of gossip, habit of eavesdropping, habit of smoking, habit of drinking, habit of overeating, habit of lying. I am pretty sure if I ask you to write a list, you can come up with a long list of "habits", most of them would probably be behaviors that are not good. In Belize, we say someone has "bad habit" when they ask for something they knowingly do not want, but they just ask for "ask-sake".
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, habit is "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance." As Christians, we know that we should develop certain habits; habits such as praying often and daily, reading the Bible regularly, helping others, encouraging others.
Pastor Max Lucado, acclaimed Christian author and pastor, had a study lesson on "Habits". Pastor Lucado wrote that as Christians we must develop habits, and the habits that are worth having are: one, the habit of prayer; two, the habit of study; three, the habit of giving; and, four, the habit of fellowship. Friends, these are excellent habits we must develop as followers of Jesus Christ. How do we develop these habits? We develop these habits by repetition and performance. Pray regularly. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Prayer is a very important part of our Christian walk. How can we profess to be Christians and not pray? We must pray giving thanks to God for all that He is and all that He has done for us. Study, as disciples, we must stay in the Word, how can we bring others to Christ if we do not know what the Word says? And, if someone asks us a question, we must be confident in answering, leading them to the scripture. We must study to keep our minds and hearts alert and in good form for Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that we must always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. Giving. God loves a cheerful giver, as believers we must give to our neighbors and to our enemies. To whom much is given, much is expected. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. Fellowship. Fellowship requires practice and unity. We must come together with other believers in praising, worshipping and honoring God. Being around fellow believers will strengthen our walk with Christ. 1 John 1:7 tells us that if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other.
My friends, let us develop the habits God wants us to have. Let us get into the habit of reading our Bibles for at lest 30 minutes each day, let us get into the habit of sharing our testimonies with one another; let us get into the habit of joining the company of other believers; let us get into the habit of giving and sharing.
May God bless you today and always,
Therese from Belize
No comments:
Post a Comment