How are your habits?

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Romans 12:2 NLT

Habits

They show up and expose our priorities and discipline (or lack thereof). They have been referred to in the scientific sense as the “invisible architecture” of our daily lives. They illustrate how we navigate life, deal with challenges, and chase dreams.

Will Durant states, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Exploring habits means going beyond routines. It means examining the art and science of habit formation and the application of biblical principles that sculpt a growing disciple who better resembles Christ.

Jim Ryun testifies, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s the newest food plan, exercise craze, or infomercial bait—we were motivated, inspired, and committed, until we weren’t.

The Habit Loop

The answer might be best understood through a visual understanding of the “habit loop,” made famous by Charles Duhigg in The Power of Habit.

The loop consists of three crucial components: cue, routine, and reward.

• Cue – beginning prompt, signal, or sign

• Routine – action or behavior performed

• Reward – satisfaction or benefit received

Research suggests that this loop creates a feedback cycle in the brain, reinforcing the habit until it becomes almost automatic. The initial primitive trail becomes the well-traveled freeway with repetition. Thankfully, consistency trumps intensity, building resilience.

Expecting discomfort and overruling feelings goes a long way in motivating the necessary steps for success. The sooner we accept the fact that growth often requires discomfort and resistance, the more manageable the process. As Stephen Covey wisely instructs, “Begin with the end in mind.” Progress, not perfection, is the aim.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

How does this manifest spiritually?

Time and energy management will take hits from poor habits. Poor habits often distract and detour us from God’s best path for shepherding our families and caring for our health. Hydrate; share the Living Water with those who thirst. Some say that the best cure for your bad habits is to observe them in others! That preaches loudly!

Jesus was laser-focused on the Father’s mission: giving glory to God and serving others. Discipleship demands that we take an honest inventory and choose to correct, adjust, replace, and monitor what we have been given to steward. Look for balance, and incorporate healthy options into each day like movement and rest!

Need a few suggestions?

Limit screen time, practice gratitude, get outside, plan a date with your daughter, take your son or grandson camping, listen and engage with those who think differently than you, mentor a neighbor… look for those blessings wrapped in opportunities that better habits will allow you to step into.

“If you have good habits, time becomes your ally. All you need is patience,” emphasizes James Clear.

The list is endless—or as some would say, “the fields are ripe unto harvest”—when we develop the habits that refresh, recharge, and reinvent new ways to grow, worship, and serve.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Mark Stitch

MD5 Facilitator