Good Habits Are Hard to Break

by Bryan Gibson

The Scriptures teach that certain things should be done “always”, “often”, “constantly”, “continually”, “diligently”, “steadfastly”, “day and night.” What these words suggest, of course, is that certain things should become a matter of habit to us. Let’s look at some of these good habits.

Prayer

In Luke 5:16, we read that Jesus “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus teaches a parable, the main point being that “men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” In Colossians 4:2, we are instructed to “continue earnestly in prayer." Epaphras, according to Colossians 4:12, was “always laboring fervently…in prayers.” Finally, there is the instruction of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing.” Obviously, then, prayer must be more than an occasional practice. It must become a habit.

Assembling for Worship

In Acts 2:42 we learn that the early Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” In other words, they made a habit out of coming together to worship God. It is said of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 11:26 that “for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.” While this passage is not specific about the exact frequency with which they met, it does imply that they were coming together on a regular basis. Notice also the statement made in Acts 20:7 about the church in Troas, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” This is certainly not stated as if it was a rare occurrence. When the first day of the week came around, they came together. By following the example of these early Christians, we will never be guilty of violating Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…”

Studying the Word of God

According to Psalm 1:2, the word of God is something we should meditate on “day and night.” In 2 Timothy 2:15, the apostle Paul urges Timothy to “be diligent” in his study of the Scriptures. The Scriptures provide us with our spiritual nourishment, and unless we partake regularly, we will only get weaker (see 1 Peter 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:6).

Doing Good Works

In giving the qualifications for a “widow indeed” in 1 Timothy 5:9-10, Paul describes a woman who “has diligently followed every good work.” In other words, she has made a habit of doing good works. The instruction given in 1 Corinthians 15:58 is this, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” Finally, notice who it is that will receive eternal life, according to Romans 2:7: “those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.” Let’s make a habit out of doing good works.

Conclusion

 

When King Darius gave the order to cast Daniel into the den of lions, he made this statement to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you” (Daniel 6:16). May the same be said of us that was said of Daniel, that we serve God “continually.”