In this series we’ve been focusing on a simple idea. If we want to grow as a Christian, we will usually have to make changes in our habits and practices. True gospel-driven transformation moves from faith and desire into making changes in the very structures of our lives.  

We understand how this works in other areas. If we want to become a runner, we need to do more than hope. We need to buy running shoes. We need to make a commitment to ourselves about when we will run and organize our schedule to make that possible. And sometimes, if we really want to see this stick, we’ll try to run with others, or at least others know about our goal.

The same is true if we want to be someone who grows in love for God and others. We need to do more than hope. We need to look at our lives and consider what habits to cultivate, and also, importantly, what things in our lives to “prune” away so that we can grow as we want.

So, let’s take the next step in our Habits for Love project. Join me in making two changes (of your choosing) for five weeks. Specifically, ask yourself: what is 1)one way you’d like to cut out distractions or slow yourself down (for the purpose of giving your attention to something more fruitful) and 2)one practice you might adopt that helps you turn your attention to what God is communicating to you? These might be continuations of something you’ve already been doing since we began this project, or it might be something else you think would be worthwhile.

Take a week to think through this question. Talk with your discipleship group, or other friends, or family members about what you’re thinking. And then get started on the following Sunday.

What’s the downside? If the changes end up not fitting you well, you learned something over the course of five weeks. But on the other hand, it could be that these changes stick, and over time they significantly help you in your relationship with God and others. And that seems worth it, don’t you think?