“And [Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom...”-  Luke 4:16, NIV

“And [Jesus] came out, and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives and His disciples also followed Him.” – Luke 22:39, NASB

The COVID-19 lockdown was indeed a global disaster, but as the saying goes; ‘every cloud has a silver lining.’

One of the positives from the pandemic that I am personally grateful for was that it forced me to form two new habits.

Of course we all have our own habits – eating or drinking habits, hygiene habits, social habits, money habits, etc – some of which are so entrenched that they are almost impossible to changed.

In our meditation scriptures today, we reflect on two of Jesus’ core habits. Yes, He was the Son of God but He knew the importance of habits.

From a very young age, His parents inculcated in Him the custom of reading the Scriptures and being in the synagogue every Sabbath, come snow, rain or sunshine. Even Paul had the same habit (Acts 17:2). 

Later, when He launched into ministry, He formed His own habit of “going out” (out of bed or out of the bedroom or out of the house) to a specific place for daily prayer and devotions.

“I can predict the long-term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.”

JOHN MAXWELL

What are your habits, formed out of discipline, for the good health of your relationship with your God?

It should matter definitely; I mean if it mattered to Jesus, it should certainly matter to you as well.

According to scientists, forming habits is part of human nature and it takes an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic.

Depending on the person and the environment, it takes from 18 days to eight months for people of whatever age to form a new habit.

That means it’s never too late or too early to form positive habits.

Habits are formed because they are important for human existence in regard to physical, social and spiritual wellbeing, self-esteem and reducing stress, among others.

And the best way to change negative habits is to replace them with positive ones.

Today, take time to evaluate your habits – good and bad. Be proactive and ask people who know you well. Then determine to drop the negative ones and adopt positive ones.

As Confucius aptly put it; “Men’s natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.”

Leadership guru John Maxwell puts it this way: “I can predict the long-term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.”

Prayer:

Lord, I desire to follow your example. I choose to form the new positive habits that make me a better person in the community. May I receive the power to abandon the negative habits that work against Your purposes for my life. For the glory of Your Name, Amen!