Spiritual Maintenance

In order for a group to function well, each person within that group must function well.  This is true in sports, at work, and especially within the family.  This means that we have a responsibility to properly care for ourselves, not just for our own benefit, but for those who love us.

Many times we think of attacking one or two bad habits that we have and we attempt to do better in these areas.  This is like trying to treat a disease by only treating the symptoms.  We feel better for a while, but the underlying problem that caused the symptoms is still there.  Once we relax a little, the bad habits are back.

What can we do?  Well first, we determine the root cause.  As Christians, this is not that hard.  Even after Christ cleanses us of all our sin in respect to our heavenly standing, we still have the remains of our old sin nature to deal with in this life.  So, how do we get rid of the remains of this old nature and become more like Jesus?

One good way is to develop some Biblical habits for our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives.  What follows are three Biblical habits in each of these three areas.  As a self evaluation, see how you do in each one.  Rate yourself for each habit from 1 to 10 with 1 being the worst it can be to 10 being the best it can be.  Obviously, the higher your score the better.

Physical habits

1 Rest: It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night…God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest. (Psalm 127:2 LB)

2 Balanced diet: You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws. (Psalm 119:73 LB)

3 Regular exercise: Honor God with your body. (I Corinthians 6:20 NLT)

Emotional habits

4 Solitude: So many people were coming and going…he [Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place to get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV)

5 Recreation: [Jesus] came, enjoying life… (Luke 7:34 PH)

6 Laughter: Being cheerful keeps you healthy. (Proverbs 17:22 TEV)

Spiritual habits

7 Daily quiet time: The outward man does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength (2 Corinthians 4:16 PH)

8 Small group time: Two are stronger than one. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

9 Worship: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NLT)

So, how did you do?  Did the quoted scriptures speak to you about these habits or do you have others that do a better job for you?  Where are you in good shape and where do you need work?  No, there is no grade scale to compare your score against.  As Christians, our standard is Jesus and He is always the perfect 10.  So, we all need work, but the good news is He is our strength to do that work!

Adapted from Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Love.