Unhealthy habits can stunt our spiritual growth and prevent us from drawing closer to God. If we're asked to think about our everyday habits, most of us will take no time at all to identify them. But when it comes to the daily habits which are an obstacle to intimacy with God, we can be a little less aware of what they are.
Without identifying the habits that are standing in our way, we can't work to break them. Yours may vary from the ones listed below but these are common patterns of behaviour that are responsible for creating distance between us and God.
The common habit: Being lazy
An intimate relationship requires more than words, actions are paramount. Saying "I love you" without reinforcing it with deeds is futile. Can't get out of bed on a Sunday morning? Can't be bothered to get off the sofa to attend your weekly Bible study group? Our habits reveal what we value most. So, if you often opt for catch-up TV over a catch-up with God, you're stopping yourself from having a valuable connection with him.
What you can do about it: We can be dismissive of activities which we think we can be a good Christian without. This is good in the context of things like wealth and power, not so good when used in relation to church and Bible study. Spend some time re-learning how these spiritual activities (or whatever you're avoiding) feeds into other aspects of what it means to live as a Christian. When you've reminded yourself of the necessity of the things you've got into a habit of avoiding, devise a plan to make them a constant part of your routine. Scientists say that it takes around 66 days to form a new habit, so don't be discouraged if it takes you a little time to change your ways.
The common habit: Making excuses
While we shouldn't dismiss the reasons behind lifestyle choices and circumstances beyond our control, we should be weary about how often we're invoking excuses to explain away our issues. Making a habit out of giving unwarranted meaning to things which are on the whole inconsequential can build a barrier between us and God. Instead of challenging whatever is limiting our relationship, we accept it and make no effort to move past it.
What you can do about it: Most of the time when we're making excuses we're fully aware of the real issue but we're not ready to face up to it. Ask God to help you open up. The more honest you are with him, the closer you can draw to him. You might also find it useful to make a note of what triggers your excuses so that you play an active role in getting to the root of the problem. It's also great to ally yourself with someone who has stronger will power in a particular aspect than you. You can build off their strength until you find more of your own.
The common habit: Moaning
Excessive moaning is guaranteed to lose you some friends. But aside from annoying others it also has a negative impact on your relationship with God. If you're constantly concerning yourself with what he hasn't provided you with or what he hasn't prevented, you're leaving little space to contemplate the many magnificent things he has blessed you with.
What you can do about it: Each time you feel the urge to have a moan to God, try and think whether what you're actually annoyed about is worth it. If it is, instead of approaching God with: "God, I can't believe..." or "I'm so annoyed about..." try asking him to help you find a solution to the problem. It might be that there's something you can do and that's why he's made it catch your attention. You can also try making a list of things that you're thankful for, placing it somewhere prominent in your home or on your person and regularly updating it. It's sure to put a smile on your face and will give better context to your moaning.
