In Timothy 4:15 I read, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.” (GW)
The moment I gave my life to Jesus, he gave me a brand-new nature. But I will still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. It’s a lifelong process, but here are two bits of guidance I can use on my journey.
First, let go of the fears that keep me from growing. The truth will set you free, but it often makes me miserable first. The fear of what I might discover if I honestly face my character defects can keep me living in the prison of denial. Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on my faults, failures, and hang-ups can I begin to work on them. This is why I cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
Secondly, stop basing my identity around my “defects.” Don’t say, “It’s just like me to be . . .” or “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my hurt, hang-up, or habit, I won’t know who I am anymore. This fear can definitely slow my growth.
Lastly, remember that my character is the sum total of my habits, and that good habits take time to develop. I can’t claim to have integrity unless it’s my habit to always be honest. Being faithful part or most of the time is not faithful at all! My habits define my character.
Remember: I have to practice every day the habits that will make me more like Christ. In fact, “Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).
In summary, I have to practice every day the habits that will make me more like Christ. In fact, I should devote my life to them. Allow others to see my progress. The moment I gave my life to Jesus, he gave me a brand-new nature. But I will still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. It will be a lifelong process. First, I need to let go of the fears that keep me from growing. The fear of what I might discover if I honestly face my character defects can keep me living in the prison of denial. Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on my faults, failures, and hang-ups can I begin to work on them. I cannot grow without having a humble and teachable attitude. Secondly, I need to stop basing my identity around my “defects.” Things like, “It’s just like me to be . . .” or “It’s just the way I am.” Lastly, remember that my character is the sum total of my habits, and that good habits take time to develop. I can’t claim to have integrity unless it’s my habit to always be honest. Being faithful part or most of the time, is not faithful at all! My habits will define my character. I need to practice every day the habits that will make me more like Christ. In fact, I should devote my life to them.
An athlete loses their abilities if their muscles aren't toned by constant use. Likewise, I will lose my spiritual gifts if I don't put them to work. My talents are improved by exercise, but failing to use them causes them to waste away from lack of practice and nourishment. Am I using what God has given me to regularly serve? I must also be on constant guard against falling into sin that can so easily destroy me. I must watch what I believe just as closely. Wrong beliefs can quickly lead me into sin and heresy. I should be on my guard against those who would persuade me that how I live is more important than what I believe. I should keep a close watch on both, staying true to the faith.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Father, replacing my old habits with new ones that will make me more like Jesus will take time and I need to understand that. But it’s important that I practice them and make them part of my life and my character. I ask you for your help in accomplishing this.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in my new job. I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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