Dear Lighthouse,
habit – a) a
thing done often and hence, usually, done easily b) a pattern of action that is acquired and has become so automatic that
it is difficult to break c) an addiction
[New World Dictionary, Simon
& Schuster]
Anything come to mind? Are there any problems you struggle with on a nearly daily basis that are leading you away from where you
want to be? Any pattern of behavior that is eroding away your joy or your spiritual
effectiveness? If we are truly honest the answer is “Yes”. We all struggle with sin. We all struggle with patterns of
behavior that lead us from God. I am convinced that the Enemy’s greatest
weapon against the Christian today in the US is not persecution, is not intimidation, is not threats of physical harm. No, his weapon that slays the believer today is time.
The slow march of time pulls on us, twists us, and eventually shapes us back to what we were when we first came to
the Lord. You see, physics teaches us that when something elastic is shaped and
formed into a new orientation then all sorts of forces begin their slow work to return the new creation back to its original
form – it’s lowest level of energy existence. (thermodynamics) In
the same way, when we accepted Christ as our Lord we were changed and became a new creation. (see II Cor. 5:17) But
time’s forces patiently work on us to pull us back to what we were - sinners.
Conformity, backsliding, self-centered indulgence, worry, fatigue, self-interest, and yes, even boredom all work to
return your life to a life that is not worthwhile and not beneficial to our Master’s Kingdom. Call it what you will, it boils down to sin. Don’t you
find this to be true in your life?
When you became one of God’s chosen you
brought along with you into the Kingdom all sorts of habits that do not want to be extinguished. You brought gossip, anger, fits of rage, jealousy, worry, lust, envy, greed, addictions and the like with
you. But, brothers and sisters, these things do not lead you to the joy of the
Lord. These things beckon you backward.
They must be put away (see Rom 8:13); but they will not go quietly into that still night. No, the Enemy will continue to bring up your past to haunt you until you truly turn your back on the empty
promises they hold out and instead turn and embrace the prize that the Master offers.
That prize, at least temporally, is true joy and freedom in His Son. Don’t become a slave again to fear and sin.
(see Gal. 5:1) I beg you, each one, to examine yourself and seek out the
patterns within your mind that are eroding your faith, your confidence, and your joy in the Lord. You won’t have to look far to find the flaws within, but take heart because we have God who is ready,
willing, and able to help you lead a life that is worthy of the name you bear. (see Jude 1:24)
I echo the words written by Paul, “Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! Let your gentleness [and your transformation] be evident
to all. The Lord is near. Do not
be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
– think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard
from me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4: 4-9, my comment inserted)
You see, we have a God that knows our struggles. He knows our temptations. He knows our
habits. He knows them because He’s been there and done that. Therefore, He is able to sympathize – but more than
just commiserate – He is able to help us grow and move on from where we are. (see Heb. 4:15-16)
Habits.
Bad ones can kill your growth. But the other side of the coin that I want
to recommend to you is the cultivation of positive habits. Good habits can change
your course like the rudder on a ship. Paul said it in the above section, “whatever
you have learned…put it into practice”. In other words, go and
do good things. I encourage you to do good so much that you develop good habits
to replace the bad ones. So, how are you doing there? How’s your Bible study – your daily reading – going?
How’s your prayer life? How’s your generosity? How’s your hospitality? How’s your commitment
to the church going? Serving lately? How
about your encouragement of others? You see, we have opportunities around us
all the time to foster and grow good habits. Are we taking advantage of those
chances?
I’ve heard it takes 21 days to develop
a habit. I bet it takes about that long to extinguish one too. Starting today, I strenuously encourage you to surrender a little further to the Lordship of Christ and
put to death some bad habits. Put away that bitter spirit that makes you say
things you shouldn’t. Put away that pornography that cheapens your marriage. Put away that pride that casts long shadows on everyone around you. Then, replace those patterns with new behaviors. Put on some
humility, for Christ’s sake. Exercise some self-control, for God’s
sake. Take a notch off the six-gun and mete out some love and compassion instead.
But I caution you, don’t do any of this
to win God’s favor and “score points” with Him. No, you already
have everything in Christ. Do it simply to tell God “thanks” for
all that He has done and all that He went through already for you. God hates
sin, but He loves you. Don’t you think it’s time to say thanks by
transforming your life into a worshipful existence every day? I do. That’s why I’m taking up the challenge I just laid out right along with you. I’m not perfect, but I serve a God who has commanded me to strive for it. (see Matt. 5:48) Help me by growing with me. Together
let’s become addicted to God.
Growing in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with you,
Evan
