When someone says the word “habits,” what do you think about?

Perhaps it’s a bad habit like chewing your nails. Or perhaps it’s a good habit like eating fruit with your breakfast.

I’m a word nerd so I looked up some background on the word “habit.” It has a variety of uses. But I find it interesting that it is connected to “inhabit.” When we inhabit something we live in it, we dwell there.

I think this helps us appreciate what habits are all about. More specifically, I think this helps us appreciate what godly habits are all about.

They are faith-based practices in which we live. We inhabit them.

Regardless of whether you reside in Tokyo, Texas, or Timbuktu, your regular godly practices are your real habitation.

Your body and geographical location may not technically dwell in prayer, worship, acts of generosity, and servant-hood, but your soul does.

And there’s more.

In Romans 8:29, Paul speaks about Christians being “conformed to the image of [God’s] Son,” meaning Jesus. Godly practices are one way he makes that happen. Habits are things you keep doing to keep growing.

Let me say that again. Godly habits are things you keep doing to keep growing.

So not only do your habits create a kind of soul-habitation or soul-residence, but God uses them to make you more like Jesus.

Perhaps you’ve been great at sustaining godly habits. If so, well done. If you haven’t had much success, stop feeling like a failure. You’re a beloved victor in Christ. Just ask God to help you and start again. Progress starts now.

God is so wise and wonderful. Just look at all the tools and guidance he provides to help us!

Godly habits are things you keep doing to keep growing.

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Notes:

–“The Beginning is Nigh.” This short 3.5 minute video introduces a new teaching series on 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. Click here to watch.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.