We all have habits—some positive and some not so much. Positive habits like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, practicing good hygiene, and keeping our homes clean contribute to our overall well-being. Conversely, negative habits like constantly checking our phones or mindlessly scrolling through social media can detract from our quality of life. This principle extends to our spiritual lives as well.
Christian maturity doesn’t happen by accident. Our natural inclination is to follow the path of least resistance, aligning with our desires rather than the will of God. Spiritual growth requires intentionality and effort, as Jesus emphasized in Luke 9:23 by calling us to take up our cross daily. Here are seven essential habits to cultivate for growing spiritually.
1. Reading the Bible with the Goal of Obedience and Application
The necessity of reading the Bible cannot be overstated. Despite the declining trend of Bible reading among Americans and people in general, it remains fundamental for spiritual growth. Engaging deeply with Scripture, rather than skimming a devotional, nourishes our spiritual lives like food nourishes our bodies. 2 Timothy 3:16 underscores that Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us. To experience these benefits, we need to prioritize daily Bible reading and, importantly, obey and apply its teachings (James 1:22-25).
Practical Tip: Find a readable Bible version and commit to a daily reading plan. Eliminate distractions and consider keeping a journal to note standout verses and applications.
2. Consistent Prayer
Prayer is another cornerstone of spiritual growth. While we know we should “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), many struggle to maintain focus during prayer. Jesus modeled a life of prayer, often retreating to lonely places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). This intimate practice of prayer is vital for deepening our relationship with God.
Practical Tip: To enhance focus, try writing prayers in a journal or speaking them aloud. Setting reminders to pray throughout the day can also help in building a consistent prayer life.
3. Regular Confession of Sins
Confession is crucial for spiritual growth. While some traditions emphasize confessing sins to a priest, Scripture encourages us to confess directly to God and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Regular confession involves self-examination, often prompted by reading Scripture. This practice exposes sin, leading to repentance and spiritual renewal.
Practical Tip: Incorporate self-examination into your Bible reading, asking God to reveal hidden sins and encourage repentance through the Holy Spirit.
4. Worship God
Worship goes beyond singing hymns at church on Sunday. It is a heart posture that acknowledges God’s greatness and offers Him praise daily. Paul urged believers in Romans 12:1 to offer themselves as living sacrifices, which is true worship. Worshiping God with our whole lives, not just in song, deepens our love for Him and matures our faith.
Practical Tip: Commit to worshiping with other believers weekly, but also find ways to praise God throughout the day, whether before meals or during challenging times.
5. Give with Joy
Giving, often emphasized through tithing, should be done joyfully and sacrificially. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and giving from a place of joy strengthens our faith. It shifts our focus from accumulation to eternal investment, making us more generous and reliant on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Practical Tip: Research and choose churches or ministries to support. Plan regular giving and approach it with a joyful heart, seeing it as an act of worship and trust.
6. Fellowship with Other Believers
Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Fellowship with other believers is essential for encouragement, discipleship, and mutual growth (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). Regularly meeting with other Christians helps us mature and equips us for ministry, fostering a supportive and challenging environment for spiritual growth.
Practical Tip: If you lack a nearby church, seek out local believers for regular gatherings in homes or public places. Prioritize these meetings for mutual encouragement and growth.
7. Evangelism and Discipleship
Sharing our faith and making disciples is a command from Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). While it can be daunting, evangelism and discipleship strengthen our relationship with Christ and help others grow in their faith. As we witness Christ’s transformative power in others, our own faith deepens.
Practical Tip: Pray for opportunities to share the gospel. Be attentive to daily encounters that could lead to faith discussions. Reach out to new believers, offering guidance and support.
Conclusion
By intentionally cultivating these habits, we can grow spiritually and deepen our relationship with God, becoming mature disciples who live for His glory.