Good habits, bad habits. We probably all have both.
At first you make your habits, and then your habits make you. That’s the part about habits that we often neglect—that they are shaping us and leading us in a certain direction. They are not “one offs.” They have a cumulative effect. They are directional.
Like coordinates.
If you’re interested in going deeper with the power of simple habits, I’ve put together a 12-minute podcast episode and YouTube video to explain more. If you’re interested, follow the link below.
But for the purposes of this devotional, let me just say this.
Habits are coordinates. They are taking you in a certain direction. Bad habits set a trajectory—perhaps to do with your health or with a relationship. Good habits also set a trajectory—perhaps with your mental well-being or also with your friends.
This is also true for your faith.
Regular prayer strengthens your relationship with God and can bring you into greater alignment with his will. People don’t tend to stumble into a strong relationship with God. It’s what happens after small-but-consistent habits from day to day.
Regular Bible-reading does the same. So does Sunday worship. So does _______.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 gives us some encouragement: “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…” Think about training. Successful athletes do certain things consistently. They go to the gym, or do laps, or eat well. These are habitual. No one stumbles onto an Olympic podium.
So it is with strong discipleship.
Think of your habits like coordinates. And choose well.
Notes:
-“Habits are Coordinates.” Click here to listen or watch on YouTube, or find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify at ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.’
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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