DAILY HABITS OF A CHRISTIAN

As this is towards the end of February now, let’s take stock of our New Year resolutions. How successful have we been so far? Have we already given up on some resolutions, and are waiting again for the next milestone to make a new resolution?

Contrast that with Hebrews 12:1, which says: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”. We are called to run with endurance. The Christian race is a long-term undertaking and commitment. So, what can help sustain us?

One aspect is to build up daily habits. So perhaps instead of New Year resolutions, we can ask ourselves – what daily Christian habits do I want to build up this year? It may be an old habit that has fallen by the wayside, or something we observed in others that we feel is useful. Here are some suggestions to consider. 

First, praying in the morning. The psalmist did so, as in Psalm 5:3 which says: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Why pick the morning?

There is a reason that in the military, soldiers are required to make their bed every morning. It encourages discipline, but it also sends a signal to do things right and properly. You’ve made your bed neatly, and you do the next task, and the next task – each one to be done properly and in a disciplined manner. It subtly tells the mind – just as you have done the previous task properly, put in the same effort towards the next task. 

With a prayer first thing in the morning, we set our minds on God. We remember that we are the created, we give thanks for our blessings, and we are reminded to put God first. It helps us to be more Christ-centred through the rest of our day. Of course, we can pray anytime of the day, but consider starting your mornings with a simple prayer.

Second, taste God’s word. 2 Peter 2:2-3 says: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” We are called to taste the Word, to desire the Word, and to grow. 

We must grow in our knowledge of the word. It is one key part of how we can be transformed. Romans 12:2 says: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” So first we must spend time dwelling in God’s word, and renew our minds, and then be transformed. 

But how to build a habit around this? This is something very personal, and we must find a pattern that works best for us. It can be in the morning, right after prayer. But if you are frantically rushing for school or work, or sending your kids to school, and you are not a morning person, that may not work for you. It may be during lunch, or during your commute back to home after work. Find a pocket of time, and stick with it consistently. 

Third, adopt a mindset of honouring God. Colossians 3:22-23 says: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” 

Sometimes our day-to-day work or studies can feel very mundane; typing that report, reading another chapter, or polishing our boots in the army. However, in our work or study, this verse reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it as to the Lord, and it is not unto men. Before starting each piece of work, or submitting each report, remind ourselves that God is watching. Putting in the hard work not unto men, but to honour God. 

These three habits are just some suggestions. Habits are very personal, and we must find things that fit well into ourselves. We do not need to be very ambitious, but just have to find something small, easy to do, and start from there. Continue even if we do not feel like it. And over time, we may feel “weird” or strange if we do not do it. Hopefully, that habit will then become a part of our arsenal of habits which help us run the race with endurance.