Align Your Habits

I have a new training program with a few exercises I am not used to. At times, I feel uncoordinated and awkward. My habit is to video myself so I can see my form. When I have questions, I send a video to my coach and ask for feedback. It’s also my habit to show my coach when I’m doing ‘good’ to get praise. It’s important to align your habits with what you truly value. I value staying healthy and minimizing my risk of injury, so correct form is vital.  I also value being seen as capable, but sometimes the need for a pat on the back gets in the way of growth.

Just as my exercise habits reveal what I value, scripture shows us another example of habits in the story of the rich young man.

Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Our Habits Are Evidence

During the rest of the young man’s exchange with Jesus, we discover that he has kept all the commandments. He has good habits, which are evidence of his belief in eternal life. But what does he value?

“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Align Your Habits, Beliefs, and Values

The young man believed in doing good, yet he walked away sad. Trusting the process of discipleship requires us to go beyond doing good. When our habits lead to values that align us with Christ, we grow in intimacy with Him. I’m not saying we must give up all our possessions to be perfect for Him. Maybe we must give up the habit of grabbing our phone first thing in the morning. Perhaps we are being called to spend time with someone who requires extra grace. Whatever God requires of us to move from good to perfect, that is our task. That is how we’ll discover what we truly value in this process of following Christ.

What Must I Do?

Our habits are evidence, but of what? Do they reveal our beliefs and values? I’ve felt convicted to analyze my habits and bring them into alignment with my beliefs and values. I don’t want to walk away from time with Christ sad. I want my habits to be evidence that I value Him above all. What about you?

*For those of you who prayer walk, ask God, “What must I do?” and listen for His answer. And for this week’s screensaver click here