I’m a creature of habit…
Years ago Sharon and I had a favorite lunch spot where once
a week we’d enjoy lunch together. Every time we sat at the same table and ordered
the same thing. One day it became
obvious that we were “in a rut.” After
sitting down at “our” table, I made eye contact with the waiter across the
restaurant and gave him a nod of the head. And before long, our favorite meal
was placed in front of us.
Lately, I’ve made a habit of getting fuel at a Dara’s store
in northeast Manhattan. I stop here for two reasons. First, because a 44 oz.
fountain drink is only 99 cents. Second, because across the parking lot is a
Paradise Donut shop. (What a great name, huh!?!?)
My order is consistent - two “old fashion glazed donuts.”
They are cake donuts and as they bake a little canyon forms around the top; a
canyon that holds a lot of icing! I’ve
placed the same order so many times that now when I come in the gal behind the
counter automatically begins grabbing a couple of these delights!
Did I mention that I am a creature of habit?
With the dawn of a new year, many take a moment to look back
to what has been and forward to what should be. Resolutions often result;
dropping some habits and/or picking up some new ones. So at the dawn of a new
year, I want to give you some encouragement.
The Hebrew writer wrote the following:
“Let us hold
unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let
us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us
not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
(Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV-84)
No doubt much of the success of the Christian life is about
perseverance and persistence. Each day
often boils down to resolving to march right behind Jesus, letting Him lead no
matter what. The world and its desires continually
attempt to draw us away from our commitment to Christ and to one another. Tests, trials and temptations often serve to
erode hope. Personal interests distract us away from one another. And if we
aren’t careful a decision to deviate away one time easily becomes a habit.
“So do not throw away
your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you
will receive what he has promised.” (Heb. 10:35-36)
So at the dawn of a new year, if you find that you are
persisting and persevering then keep it up! Some habits need to continue. Keep persevering. Encourage others to do the
same. Always make meeting together a priority.
But, if you are honest with yourself and find that your habit
has become being away from Christ, doing for yourself, and doing it alone, I
want to encourage you to make a change. Don’t
throw away your relationship and confidence in Christ. Don’t become isolated from
other believers, rejecting efforts from them to help you grow, and abandoning
efforts to help them grow stronger too.
May the year 2016 find you being a creature of habit –
habitually spending time with Christ and celebrating Him – not alone but in the
company of others whose habit is following Christ.
Excited live 2016 with you,
Ron
