How To: Life Changing Habits

Over the past few weeks we at Woodview have been in a series called How We Grow. Over the course of this series we have looked at various spiritual disciplines that, when practiced consistently, can be huge tools to help us grow in our faith and aid us as we seek transformation into the image of Christ. I am of the opinion that these spiritual disciplines are critical to the life of Christ followers.

Whenever these types of topics come up… a question that is often left unasked is, “Ok… I get it. But… how?” We know that as followers of Jesus there are a ton of things we should be doing but yet… for whatever reason… we lack an understanding of how to actually add these things to our lives. We know we should study scripture, pray regularly, fast, have a quiet time, give generously, and a whole lot more on a consistent basis. Yet, when life is busy and everything else seemingly competes for our attention, all of that ends up filed into a special drawer labeled “someday.” In even more dangerous situations it leads to a sense of guilt and shame, often leading many to either distance themselves from community or pretend. How can regular, everyday, folk add these habits that lead us deeper into our relationship with Jesus?

Before we get into what will, hopefully, be some helpful insight… one important point needs to be made. There are no magic bullets when it comes to spiritual growth. You can find books upon books that promise to provide the solution to whatever habit you want to add to your life… and many are helpful up to a point but the truth is… these things take work.

That said, I do think there are some things that can help as we seek to add these habits to our lives. Dallas Willard, in his important book “Renovation of the Heart,” lays out what he refers to as the “general pattern of personal growth.” This is a pattern that, according to Willard, is necessary for the development of new habits. When we lack these three things we have a tendency to give up, sometimes even before we start. Willard lays out that three things are needed: Vision, Intention, and Means.

Vision: Spiritual transformation starts with a vision for not only why it is important but that it is possible. We have to envision what spiritual transformation will look like in our lives. What would it look like to respond to frustrating situations with love and patience? What does it look like to have intimacy with God? What would it look like for me to become a “Kingdom Person” who seeks to further the range of God’s effective will? Understanding what the end result might look like is a critical first step, yet it is often one that we skip. How many sermons have you heard telling you to start doing something (pray more, read more, give more)? So often the main motivator is “I was told to do it by someone else.” I know this happens… because I have done it! Our vision must extend past that and include a clear picture of life in the Kingdom of God.

Intention: Once we have a vision for where we want to go and who we want to be, we need to ask ourselves the hard question about whether or not we actually intend to become that person. This, in my experience, is the hard step. I KNOW I need to go to the gym. I can envision what that would mean for me… less fat, better fitting clothing, more confidence. Yet, when push comes to shove… I lack the intention that drives new action. I allow pretty much anything else to get in the way of me obtaining the vision. What does intention look like for our journey for spiritual transformation? We seek to intend to follow the example and teachings of Jesus. In many ways this is all about trust. Do we truly trust that Jesus wants the best for our lives? Do we trust that if we follow His life… our lives will be better off? If we trust Him, intend follow Him.

Means: When we have the vision that drives our intention… we finally are led to the means to accomplish what we seek. If you want to be a loving and patient person, we look to Jesus and the things he did that made him a loving and patient person. This is where the spiritual disciples shine. We aren’t reading scripture, praying, fasting, and living generous life just because someone else has told us we ought to… these disciples come from a deep center where we are able to encounter the God of the Universe. They are lived out in the Way of Jesus. They are a result of our vision and intention. When we view these things in the correct context and enter into them with a sense of reliance that we will encounter God in the midst of them… the disciplines become life giving.

The amazing thing about this is that it extends beyond our journey towards spiritual transformation and can touch all aspects of our lives. Want to make a change in your life? Spend time thinking about the vision, intention, and means. It is my sincere hope that when we add things like the spiritual disciplines to this pattern it helps lead each of us to a more fulfilling life serving our King.

Christopher PannellJanuary 26, 2023Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual LIfe1 Comment