It's the little things that make huge differences. I mean, think about the affects of taking a shower everyday for 10min as opposed to only once a month. It's a small thing that makes a big difference. My point is that small habits make transformational differences when applied to our lives.
So, here's my list of 10 simple things you can start doing today to transform the rest of your life.
- Wake up early and have your devotions early. The psalmist, David, says "early will I seek You" which doesn't mean we need to have our full devotion time in the morning, but we should be starting our day off with at least some prayer. You'll be amazed by how getting up early you can cut out so many distractions because most people are still asleep and you haven't gotten caught up in the business of the day. And setting your mind on God first thing usually sets the tone for the rest of the day.
- Limit your social networking. I doubt Jesus would have been caught spending hours on Facebook or instant messaging everyday because there's an aspect of life-touching-life that can't be met online. Get off your computer, pick up your phone, and call someone to get together with them.
- Get into people's lives. Take it upon yourself to find someone every week (the same person or someone different) that you are going to encourage/witness/admonish, go out for coffee with, and in general impact their life with the Gospel.
- Be hospitable. Don't wait around for opportunities, be proactive and make opportunities. Hospitality happens in your home, church, car; anywhere that you serve and show generosity (time, money, emotion) to others. Hospitality looks different for different people but it's commanded in the Bible nonetheless (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2).
- Read books. The Bible says to "study to show yourself approved...rightly handling the truth". That means we need to constantly be reading, not only the Bible, but other books that expound on truth and help us see practical application of God's Word in our lives. I look at most Christian books as preaching in written form. Put a book in your glove compartment, at the side of your bed, and one at work. Even if you can only fit 5 pages in, there might be a thought in those pages that can really have an affect in your life or help you in your next conversation with someone.
- Go beyond the surface level. At church, at home, or hanging out wtih friends, try to go beyond the surface level and talk about deeper things that actually matter in the scope of eternity. It doesn't have to be asking someone how their devotions have been. It could be as simple as taking someone's comment and reflecting on how it shows God's sovereignty. That right there has just broken the surface left, delved into the spiritual realm, and exalted God. There's a place for casual conversation, but if your relationship never goes beyond that, there's a problem
- Be a helpful critique at church. You know how it goes, you get in the car after church and you start critiquing your church "experience". There's nothing wrong with that, the problem is that you don't do anything about it. Remember that the pastor is no different than you except that he probably knows more Greek and Hebrew. He's not superman, and he does overlook things just like we all do. So, next time you notice something, don't just keep it within the confines of your car. Go up to your pastor and suggest or offer to help. You're either going to be warmly accepted and appreciated, or the pastor may explain something to you about the issue you brought up that you had never thought of or had no idea about.
- Spend time with your family. God loves a healthy family, and he wants you to love it too. If you reach the end of your day and realize you haven't spent any quality time with your family, and that rings true for the past week, it's time to make some changes. You might be sincerely busy with work and trying to put food on the table for your family, but once again a look needs to be taken at things in the scope of eternity. Full stomachs don't lead people to Christ. There needs to be intentional spiritual influence and involvement. Here I'm talking to dads, but this applies to moms, brothers, and sisters. Don't neglect the family!
- Be consistent and habitual. Christianity is all about relationships--relationships with God and with others. Always be looking for ways that you can touch someone else's life even with smallest things such as a warm greeting or word of encouragement. That being said, think about trying to go to the same grocery store at the same time so you can begin building relationships with the cashiers. Go to the same gas station even if it isn't the best price that day, and pay in the store so you can meet the clerk. Become a regular at certain restaurant and get to know your server and find out about their life--not just what the special of the day is.
- Evaluate your intentionality. "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). So, frequently stop and think through what you're doing and see if it can be done more efficiently in a way that brings more glory to God and touches people's lives with the Gospel.
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