Why Do I Need A Good Habit (Article for Sunday on August 20th)

Pastor Tom Dooley at the Harrison Free Will Baptist Church once preached on “Eight Habits of Highly Effective Christians” based on II Peter 1:1-10. He points out that Christian life begins when one places their trust in the Savior. Accordingly, Peter wants us to understand that becoming a Christian is not the end, it is rather the beginning. The Christian life is to be "added to" or growing and maturing.

II Peter 1:5 (KJV) puts an emphasis on “giving all diligence” as we add to our faith. The word "diligence" refers to the earnest and zealous exertion of oneself. This matter of adding to our faith – seeing our faith strengthened and enriched demands our diligence. No one grows in the spiritual realm automatically. It takes intentional effort. Indeed, it is an investment into eternity!

Most of us would agree that a diligent pursuit of becoming all the Lord wants us to be is necessary. In reality, a spiritual pursuit is very much like pursing New Year resolutions. Some resolve to quit a bad habit, some to loose weight… but after a few days or weeks... they start thinking “Is it worth it?” or “Must I continue?”. Many decide no. Their problem is that they fail to see the future reward and the importance of building up a good habit.

A good habit not only helps us to improve but to protect us as well. I am sure many of us have the experience of losing our umbrellas during weathers with occasional showers or drizzles. Without a good habit of picking up things, it is obvious why people tend to lose their umbrellas. Similarly, we may find ourselves at a loss when a fire breaks out if we don’t have sufficient fire drills.

As a matter of fact, Christians are not exempt from difficultly, failures and discouragement. If we do not have a good trust in God during our up times, how can we trust Him during our down times? If a good habit is not built up during our successes or peace, how can we build up one during our failures or chaos? If we can’t stay focused in our relationship with the Lord Jesus in times of encouragement, how can we stay focused in times of discouragement?

I don't have all the answers for you. However, I do encourage you to build up a good habit by setting aside 21 days consecutively for an objective which is clear, worthwhile and practicable to you. May God the Father and Jesus our Lord help and build us up. Amen.