Most people have uphill hopes and downhill habits. We need to understand that we form habits, and then our habits form us.Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Question: Do you have uphill hopes and downhill habits? What if we slowed down today and did an inventory of our habits? What habits need to be broken, and what habits need more attention? Sean Covey says, "Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do."
The time it takes to form a habit can vary depending on the behavior, the individual, and the circumstances. A commonly cited figure is 21 days, originating from Dr. Maxwell Maltz's observations in the 1960s. However, more recent research suggests that this is a generalization.
A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology by Phillippa Lally and her colleagues found that, on average, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic - 66 days, to be exact. How long a new habit takes to form can vary widely depending on the behavior, person, and circumstances. In Lally's study, people took 18 to 254 days to form a new habit.
Real change is hard to come by, so it’s essential for us to create good habits that will help facilitate change in our lives. Gretchen Rubin, the author of ‘The Happiness Project,’ said this in his book: "What we do every day matters more than what we do once in a while."
In saying this, over the next four weeks, we will look and form uphill habits and address things that God calls you to do and live out in your family, community, and wherever you find yourself.
Good habits are “uphill” because while they are doable, they require intentionality, effort, and work. So, it’s going to take an effort to form healthy habits. I’m praying that through these articles, you're ready for the journey.
The journey has a few promises that we can bank on due to scripture. You can have hope for the future due to Jeremiah 29:11 NLTFor I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Another key factor is that we know that our past will no longer hold us back because of our faith in Jesus. We can pursue repentance from our past. Simply put, we must change direction – from our old, unhealthy habits. Philippians 3:13 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Finally, we can start forming uphill habits. We can form uphill habits by focusing on God, eliminating our excuses, and turning “when” into “now.” C.S. Lewis said, "Good habits, once established, are just as hard to break as are bad habits, and bad habits are easier to acquire than good ones." We must stay focused on God. His word, prayer, and community helps us stay focused on uphill habits.
Romans 12:2 (The Message) Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
HABIT #1 – FOCUS ON WHAT I DO FIRST ONE | PUT GOD FIRST
As followers of Jesus, you would be surprised how many people try to have faith in Jesus without putting God first in their lives. To be healthy Christians, we must read His word, pray to Him, and be in community with others. The Bible's first passage of scripture speaks about putting God first. Genesis 1:1 CSB In the beginning God… From the beginning of time, God was first. We must do that in our lives in 2024. God first. Nothing else.
TWO | GIVE GOD THE FIRST OF EVERYTHING
Here at Coldwater Youth, we teach our youth, young adults, and leaders that we can never out-give God. God has blessed us with everything. It’s a gift to be breathing right now and to have all the incredible miracles taking place in our bodies right now to keep blood pumping and our ability just to be alive. We also talk about the 3T’s.
We give God the first of everything through our Time, Talent, and Treasures. Each day, we can form uphill habits by giving God our time, talent, and treasure through reading His word, praying to Him, and giving our gifts and finances to Him first.
The first of my month. Your schedule, budgeting. The first of my week. Through worshipping and resting on Sundays. The first of my day. The word, worship, and prayer.
THREE | EXPECT GOD TO BLESS THE REST.
Proverbs 3:6-10 CSB [6] In all your ways, know him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Don't be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. [8] This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. [9] Honor the LORD with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; [10] then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
When we trust God with the first of everything in our lives, He will bless the rest. It’s His nature and His promise throughout Scripture to be with us wherever we go. It’s called faith. Let’s not just believe that He will do it but have faith because we are standing on His word that He’ll do it.
We are what we repeatedly do. Let us trust God with everything as we form healthy, uphill habits. Remember, this is work. It’s super simple to have downhill habits, but can I be frank? You and I both know that God is calling us to live on a mission and do what He’s called us to do for some time now. Let the journey begin.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or someone to talk to. 901-515-6450. God never called us to walk through life alone. The best is yet to come in your life.
