By Vernon Terrell (ok, not Stephen Covey)
These habits are not a set of rules and regulations that one must fulfill in order to be spiritual (many believers perform these duties and are far from “spirit-filled”), they are simply “common sense” ideas that many believers have found essential to their intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
1. Devotional “Quiet” Time
This first habit is parallel to that of building relationships...i.e. spending time with those you love. Time is an essential element in any relationship (and I don’t mean physically present but mentally gone). Your time with Christ is quality time spent listening to Him (via the Word and prayer), crying out to Him, praising Him, etc. This is not an exercise in spirituality (missing your time with Christ does not make you “unspiritual,” however, a continued lack of interest may indicate a deeper problem), it is a vehicle for building a closer relationship with Christ. Morning, afternoon or evening take time to sit still and simple “be” with Jesus.
2. Relational Prayer
This habit is inseparable from the first, but not limited to its time-frame. It involves “any time, anywhere” communication with the Father. All throughout the day we are confronted with decisions relating to people, work, activities, you name it. Your heavenly Father invites your total dependence on Him in every aspect of life. Prayer reminds you of your total inadequacy apart from Christ and His infinite resources on your behalf. Relational prayer is the application of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing”.
3. Systematic Bible Study
Habit three involves “Holy Spirit led” study in the truths of God’s Word. The quest for knowledge is dangerous unless it is coupled with application and obedience. Knowledge alone can lead to a haughty attitude and false sense of superiority. Bible Study differs from Devotions. Bible Study is a time where the Holy Spirit broadens and deepens your understanding of His Word. A Devotional time focuses on your relationship with Christ with specific application from His Word for the day; it is a deepening of relationship. Do the two ever mix? Sometimes they do, but generally they are two vehicles with different goals. Set aside some time in the week to dig into the word of God and discover (or rediscover) new insights reserved for those who diligently seek.
4. Christian Reading
Habit four is a regular dosage of “good” Christian reading. There is so much Christian material out there (good and questionable) to gain valuable insight on a variety of topics. The “Spirit-Filled” believer is always learning, growing, expanding in all areas of life...what better way than to learn from the experience and wisdom of others. One danger…don’t go out and buy a bunch of books that you will some day read (many simply get overwhelmed and have a great library of unread books). Find a book and read it…mark it up or take notes if appropriate.
5. Memorization/Meditation in the Word
Habit 5 is a wonderful means for the Holy Spirit to transform your life. We are commanded to “renew [our] minds” in Romans 12:2, not for “scripture memory awards” but for “Life Transformation” by the Holy Spirit. Our thought-life is the major battlefield of the enemy. He knows that to control your thoughts is to control your life...eventually. Memorization of the Word enables you to recall a scripture without the printed page (an excellent tool for witnessing, encouraging others, etc. at a moments notice); meditation moves that scripture from your mind to your heart and life. Often times the Lord will speak to you in your Devotional time through specific verses; these verses, as you memorize and meditate on them, become an anchor in your Christian experience.
6. Affirmation of Truth
Habit six sounds strange. Affirmation of Truth is not “the Power of Positive Thinking.” It is a technique of uncovering the lies we often tell ourselves and replacing those lies with the truth of scripture. Oftentimes this habit is done in the context of our identity “in Christ.” It is choosing to believe what God says in the face of the many lies that surround us each day. Take the “Identity Crisis – Who are you?” pages in Appendix 3 and on a regular basis affirm the truth of your new identity (take a few each week and mediate on the associated scripture as well).
7. Fellowship with Believers
Habit seven is obvious...or is it. Some believers feel they are “islands” and do not need close relationship with other believers. How wrong they are. “We” are one body “in Christ,” not “I am” one body “in Christ.” The whole reason Christ came was to restore our relationships with God and each other. God uses people in each of our lives to meet God-given needs. Our trust and hope is not in the fellowship, but in Christ who uses the fellowship (and sometimes the lack thereof) to grow us into His likeness. For many, this habit may force you to get out of your comfort zone and proactively make time for others…trust me, it is worth it.
Please do NOT make these habits rules of spirituality nor confine their application to any one way. If you get in a rut reading, try listening to an audio book (I’ve “read” more books of the Bible in one day by listening via my iPod than any other means!). For some of you, routine is comfortable and that’s great (but don’t get too comfortable…break it up once in a while). For others, routine scares you to death…do not fear, a little routine will not kill your creative personality, in fact, it may just enhance it!
All of these “habits” should energize and motivate us to shine the light of Christ and His grace to a needy world right where we live (our home, neighborhood, work, clubs, you name it). The light need not involve a Bible baseball bat to swing at the unsuspecting, or unchurched, simply allow Christ to manifest His grace through each and every area of your life. Walk “Free N Him” and enjoy.