Under Gods command

“Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW)

While you were given a brand new nature at the moment of conversion, you still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. Yet we are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves.

We often build our identities around our defects. We say, “It’s just like me to be …” and “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if you let go of your habit, your hurt, or your hang-up, who will you be? This fear can definitely slow down your growth.

Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.

Godly habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest.

Your habits define your character. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice them — and that takes time!

These character-building habits are often called “spiritual disciplines,” and they include such things as meditation, prayer, fasting, Bible study, simplicity, stewardship, solitude, submission, service, and evangelism.

Talk About It

• What spiritual habits do you need to practice more intentionally?

• Many people are aware of their strengths. Are you equally aware of your weaknesses? What are they?