3 - Faith in Action

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prayer time for Missionary North of Africa

Mateus & Mika kids Lucas & Yasmin

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Introduction

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

let's reflect on the words of Romans 12:2, urging us to break free from harmful patterns and embrace renewal.

A good story to start off with could be about a fictional character named

Sarah, who struggled with the habit of procrastination. Sarah always found herself putting off important tasks until the last minute, leading to stress and missed opportunities. Despite her best intentions to change, she felt trapped in this cycle of delay.

One day, Sarah stumbled upon an article discussing the habit loop, which caught her attention. Intrigued, she began to reflect on her own habits and realized that her procrastination followed a similar pattern: the cue was often feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand, the routine involved distracting herself with non-essential activities, and the reward was temporary relief from the pressure.

Determined to break free from this harmful habit, Sarah decided to take action. She identified the true cues triggering her procrastination, such as fear of failure or perfectionism, and experimented with new routines to replace her old habits. Instead of avoiding tasks, she started breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps and setting specific deadlines for each.

Over time, Sarah began to notice a shift in her behavior. By tackling tasks gradually and consistently, she experienced a sense of accomplishment and reduced stress. With each small victory, she gained momentum and confidence in her ability to overcome procrastination.

Sarah's story serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative power of understanding and changing our habits. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace new routines to achieve meaningful change in our lives.

In our time together, we'll explore practical insights from the “the Power of Habits” by Charles Duhigg and "Atomic Habits” by James Clear, along with timeless wisdom found in the Scriptures.

We'll talk about the concept of the habit loop, understanding cues, routines, and rewards, as well as the significance of keystone habits and the cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ.

key points:

1. Understanding the Habit Loop:

romans talks about the patterns of this world

Why is it important to understand and make changes?

In the book "The Power of Habit," Charles Duhigg talks about something called the "habit loop."

This loop has three parts: cue, routine, and reward.

Let's think of another example to understand it better.

Imagine you have a habit of scrolling through social media whenever you feel bored (cue).

You spend hours on your phone (routine)

Until you feel entertained and distracted from boredom (reward).

This cycle keeps repeating.

2. Breaking Old Habits, Forming New Ones:

When we try to break old habits or start new ones, we often face difficulties.

Sometimes, these struggles come from the habit loop itself.

For example, if you're trying to stop eating before bed, you need to figure out what's really triggering you. Maybe it's not just the TV ad, but the act of watching TV itself that makes you want to eat.

You also need to think about why you eat—out of boredom, habit, or real hunger? And what do you get from it? Is it just the food, or is it also the enjoyment of being with others?

When we feel stuck in a habit, it's important to stop, think about what's going on, and make changes.

We can also use the habit loop to develop good habits by finding positive triggers, healthy routines, and rewards that are good for us.

One thing many books don't tell you about changing habits is that there's always a way.

In James 1:12 it says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12 NIV

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

In the Bible, it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God is faithful and won't let us face more than we can handle. He'll help us find a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

So, let's explore, make changes, trust in God, ask for help, and keep moving forward step by step.

Think about:

What makes me do my habits?

How can I switch bad triggers for good ones?

What do my habits lead to?

Are they what God wants for me?

3. Embracing Small Wins:

In the book "Atomic Habits," James Clear talks about how tiny wins each day can lead to big changes over time. He says, try to get just one percent better every day.

Pastor Craig also says that “doing small things consistently can lead to big results.”

Habits aren't big goals you achieve all at once—they're small things you do every day.

Habits aren’t grand destinations you arrive at one day—they’re tiny steps you take every day.

Some of the most important small wins you can make are often called keystone habits.

The fastest way to comprehend keystone habits is to learn what a keystone is.

A keystone is an architectural term for the wedge-shaped stone that would sit at the top and center of an arch of bricks or stones.

Each stone in the arch pushes its weight toward the keystone, and the triangular shape of the keystone wedge causes the entire arch to be supported.

Each stone leans on the keystone at the top.

Keystone habits are like that—they support other habits.

Some habits are more important than others.

But there's something even more important than keystone habits—Jesus.

Without Him, even good habits can fall apart.

Ephesians 4:22–23 NIV

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Doing things like starting your day with Jesus, resting enough, spending time with family or friends, going to church, and exercising can really make a difference in your life.

James Clear says that to keep new habits, you need to make them small and manageable.

But how do you do that?

First, think about what habits you want to change.

What makes you do them?

What needs do they fulfill?

What new habits can you do instead?

It's also important to understand why you do your habits and to have a good sense of who you are.

If a habit is really hard to break, it might be because it's connected to something deeper that needs healing.

Talk to someone you trust or a counselor about it. And don't forget to ask God for help and to use His words to guide you.

4. Anchoring Our Habits in Faith:

Most books about habits will tell you about keystone habits, and they should, but what they might not tell you is that there is yet another stone.

Jesus called Himself the cornerstone

Matthew 21:42 NIV

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

which is a stone used to provide the same kind of support for the entire construction of a building.

You can get all your keystone habits right and still come tumbling down if they’re not built on a foundation with Jesus as its cornerstone.

Here’s a short list of keystone habits to consider.

Which can you add to your life?

Wake up early enough to start your day with Jesus.

Sleep at least eight hours a night.

Eat at least one meal together with your family or close friends each day.

Attend a local church weekly, and participate by giving and serving there.

Exercise at least three times a week for at least 20 minutes.

Declare some truths about yourself every day.

Have you made Jesus the cornerstone?

Making good daily habits and breaking bad ones is a daily process for the rest of your life.

Titus 2:7–8 NIV

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Here’s a helpful tool to take with you as you make Jesus your cornerstone.

Conclusion:

We've explored the intricacies of the habit loop, uncovered strategies for breaking old habits and forming new ones, celebrated the significance of small wins, and anchored our habits in faith.

Now, as we stand at the threshold of possibility, let me leave you with a few questions to ponder:

What habits in your life are serving as stumbling blocks to your growth and flourishing?

How can you apply the principles of the habit loop to understand and change these behaviors?

What small, incremental changes can you implement today to move closer to your goals?

Are your habits aligned with your values and the purpose God has for your life?

As we grapple with these questions, let us remember the words of Romans 12:2, urging us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Through the power of God's grace and our intentional efforts, we have the capacity to break free from destructive patterns and embrace a life marked by purpose, joy, and abundance.

May we each take to heart the lessons learned today and commit to walking in the path of transformation. Let us press onward, guided by faith, empowered by hope, and emboldened by love.