We can’t change ourselves all by ourselves. Spiritual growth requires the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. And yet, spiritual growth is not automatic. We have a part to play in the process. Spiritual habits focus our attention intentionally on the work the Holy Spirit desires to do in our lives. Through them we connect to the means God uses through his Word, prayer, and Spirit to form us into his likeness.
Consider the following three Bible passages to inform your understanding.
Romans 12:1–2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2 ESV).
In this passage, we learn that who we are will be shaped in one of two directions. Either our minds will be renewed so that we are transformed with God’s help or we will be formed by the world around us. We have a part to play: “present your bodies.” God does all the real work. This passage begins with “therefore” referring to the entire argument of Romans up to this point which outlines the saving work of God, through Jesus, and effected through the Spirit.
John 15:4-11
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5 ESV)
Here Jesus instructs his disciples to stay connected to him in order to bear fruit in their discipleship journey. Apart from him, they will accomplish nothing. In the context of John 15 abiding in Jesus is linked to the work of the Spirit (15:26 and chapter 16). Think of abiding in Jesus and growing fruit as attention. Fruitfulness comes from attending to Jesus-- giving the Spirit opportunity to shape us. While it is a work only God can do in us, it seems more like progress over time than magic. It’s about focus, it’s not hocus pocus.
Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
We do not work to earn our salvation. This is not the intent of Paul’s language above and elsewhere in his writings this is crystal clear. We don’t work to achieve salvation but we do work toward participation in our transformation. We see above that God is working in believers to help us desire (will) and work.
With these ideas in mind, spiritual habits are ways that we can “work out” the grace of God in our lives. We align our focus and endergies on the work that he does to develop our faith.
A very helpful way to utilize spiritual habits is to develop a set of daily habits and a set of weekly habits. The list of habits below is extensive but not exhaustive of those practiced by believers over the centuries. A couple of the practices are designed with the technology-driven world we live in today.
There’s significant alignment between the following habits and those described by author Justin Earley in The Common Rule. Earley’s work brought clarity through his concise and well-structured framework. I’ve leveraged his approach while nuancing the practice of the habits based upon my own practices and those of others I’ve discussed this material with.
Daily Habits:
- Prayer
- Bible Before Phone
- 1 Hour with Phone Off
- 1 Meal with Others
Weekly Habits:
- Congregational Worship
- Serving God and Others
- Sabbath
- 24 Hour Fast
- Accountable Conversation with a Friend
Written By: Pastor Micah Hutchison
