Habits are important things in the life of any Christian.
Disciplines such as going to church, reading your Bible, and witnessing will help you grow and mature in your spiritual walk. But there are seven additional habits that are particularly effective in developing a deeper Christ like character.
Habit #1 – Meditating on Scripture
If there is one habit that will change your life, this is it. Spending prolonged amounts of time in God’s Word will change your thinking, which will change your actions, which will change your life.
This is also a habit that comes backed by a promise from God. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
How do you meditate? Meditation can take a variety of forms. It can be praying God’s Word back to Him, listening to the Bible, or sitting still and mentally reciting verses you have learned. I try to take time every morning before I get out of bed to meditate on a few select passages of God’s Word. Nothing else gets me in a better frame of mind for the day.
Habit #2 – Prayer
Prayer is much more than saying thanks before a meal and “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” at bedtime. But so often, that is all we make time for during our day.
Prayer is a continual conversation with God throughout your day. Prayer is not like having God on speed dial. Prayer is having God on speaker phone. Start practicing His presence and get in the habit of communing with God all day long.
Habit #3 – Fasting
Fasting. No one likes it. But we all need it. No other habit is as effective in learning self-discipline.
The habit of fasting helps you get yourself under control and as a result of curbing the flesh, your soul is able to be more in tune with God. Fasting can take a variety of forms, such as giving up food (or a specific type of food, like sugar or caffeine), TV, Facebook, entertainment, etc. Just make sure that you are like David and purpose not to offer “unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
Habit #4 – Tithing
God does not need your money. However, He does want you to be generous and learn to give of what you have been given.
Tithing is another spiritual discipline backed by a promise. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10
When you tithe, don’t be stingy and try to nickel and dime God. We’ve proven this promise at DuoParadigms, as a few years ago we started tithing off our gross profits, not just the net. At first, it was a little scary, as the tithing checks kept adding up and the net profits kept going lower. But God has proven Himself faithful, and since then our business has grown in leaps and bounds.
Habit #5 – Early Rising
Like it or not, God is a morning person. If you want to get the most out of your relationship with Him, get out of bed and talk to Him at His favorite time!
All throughout the Bible you will find instances of God speaking and working in the morning. Even Jesus rose up early to pray. This habit requires a lot of self-discipline, but the rewards are infinite.
Habit #6 – Journaling
Journaling requires time, but it serves a far greater purpose than just helping you get your thoughts organized on paper. Your journal should be a living testimony of God at work in your life. This will be a blessing not just during the good times, but also during the hard times when you need a reminder or two. Plus, a journal is also a testimony to those who are coming behind you.
Habit #7 – Community Service
Are you in the habit of serving others around you? Do you volunteer at your church or local non-profit ministries? Giving of your time is far more lasting than giving of your money. Anyone can give money, but only you can give of yourself. Never forget the words of Matthew 10:42: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”
Share this with your friends. Repin it: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/69876231691925166/
Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com | Dmitrijs Dmitrijevs
Our newsletter will help you grow your Christian business or ministry online:
Disclosure: Some of the links on our website are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive an affiliate commission. We only recommend products or services that we feel will add value to our followers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
