Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
-James 1:12

As this year winds down, our attention naturally turns to the start of a new twelve months. And with this renewed outlook, opportunities abound to make some life alterations. Many people take this time and “resolve” to make some positive changes in their life. This usually involves quitting something, losing weight, starting an exercise routine or adopting a healthier lifestyle. Hopes are pinned to a New Year’s Resolution and inadvertently those ambitions fail in the coming days and weeks.

A resolution without resolve will always cause regret. 

In many ways New Year’s Resolutions are doomed from the start. Many times little thought is put into the decision and even less planning. On the other hand, if we really want to stick to something we should look more at our habits. And yet, habits can go either way. Habits are like consequences in many forms and are ultimately tied together. The choices we make have the ability to result in positive habits and good consequences or negative habits and bad consequences. 

Habits are not formed by chance, good ones or bad. They are formed through repeated behaviors. Behaviors we choose to take part in and prioritize in our life. Many times, when we talk about habits it is in a negative aspect. Bad habits cause us to make bad decisions and ultimately a cycle of unhealthy behavior is established and the consequences are a heavy burden to carry. Alcoholism, chronic drug use, gambling, pornography, procrastination, poor nutrition choices are the notable ones we hear about, but any repeated behavior that has a negative impact on one in a physical, emotional, financial or spiritual way is at its core a bad habit. 

On the other hand, the opposite is true when we choose to practice and prioritize behaviors that are healthy and uplifting in a physical, emotional, financial and spiritual way. The encouragement of practicing positive habits are too often overshadowed by the warning against bad habits. However, we should never forgo the practice of building good habits in our life.

Paul is a wonderful example who had a habit of worshipping the Lord in all things. Philippians 3:13-14 says, Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul could make this statement because he prioritized keeping his eyes on Christ and what lay ahead. Instead of being hindered by past habits, regrets, hurts or mistakes, Paul made it a good habit to stay true to his faith in Christ.

As the new year approaches, we should forgo the resolutions and simply put in the effort to build good Godly habits in our walk.

Merry Christmas and a Habit New Year!

Jason Metz, lead Pastor