Wisdom On ... Growing in Christ by Mark Matlock

Author:Mark Matlock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Zondervan/youth Specialties

STEP 3: DEVELOP NEW, HEALTHY HABITS

Getting rid of your old habits is only one step in the battle against temptation. As the old saying goes, nature abhors a vacuum. If you don’t fill the space that the old habit occupied—and do so with something healthy and positive—then you can bet another bad habit will fill it for you.

The process won’t be easy. Unlike bad habits, which are surprisingly easy to develop, developing good habits requires discipline and hard work. The apostle Paul used a physical training analogy to describe the process:

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:26–27)

Take a quick inventory of your life. What are some things you aren’t doing right now that you believe could help you grow into the person God wants you to be? Think of one healthy habit that you’d like to begin—something that will help you grow in Christ.

Here are a few ideas to get you started. Can you think of others?

• Set aside a certain amount of time each day to read God’s Word

• Spend time in prayer every morning before you start your day

• Volunteer for a regular service project

• Write notes of encouragement to other people

• Start a journal to track your spiritual growth

• Help people in your neighborhood by doing odd jobs

• Join a Bible study

If you’re serious about growing in Christ, then you need to understand that certain behaviors can get in the way of your spiritual health. You also need to understand that you can foster your spiritual growth by putting certain healthy habits into action.

And in those times when you fall short, remember this: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9).

In order to succeed, you must remember this: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

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