Healthy Habits are a Biblical Imperative
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Forming good habits is more than a good idea; it is a Biblical concept. From the call to daily prayer to the practice of worshipping on the Sabbath, the Judeo-Christian tradition is based on living with beneficial daily habits. Jesus had the habit of going by himself to pray. He also attended the synagogue. Jesus, from an early age, was in the habit of reading Scripture and pondering its wisdom. If spiritual practices were good for Jesus, they might be worthwhile for you and me.
Developing positive habits is vital to living a faithful, productive life. Focusing on healthy habits helps confirm our values, beliefs, and commitments. Consistent, healthy habits also allow us to make a more significant difference in the time God has given us. Thomas Oppong, in his article, “Your Daily Habits Are Compounded For or Against You (Choose Wisely),” affirms the idea that “Tiny habits repeated over time create long-term success.”
Begin developing your habits of choice by prayerfully asking God to confirm your values. Knowing your values may sound easy, but it is more complex than you think. Take the prayerful time to develop the wisdom of knowing your values. Once you affirm your values, it is time to create the habits that will establish your values. Oppong quotes Elizabeth George, who states, “Your little choices become habits that affect the bigger decisions you make in life.” Start creating small habits, and soon you will be living your values and living a worthwhile life.
Today, pray for patience, trusting God to mold your life over time by repeating positive habits. Oppong continues, “One mental model may not change your life, but a commitment to lifelong learning can make you wise over time.” One tiny change builds on itself. Soon, developing new habits becomes natural. The habits stick because God is blessing your growth. So begin today and experience the same joys of habit making that transformed Jesus into the Messiah.
