What Stands in Our Way of Healthy Habits?

1. We want shortcuts (We don’t see progress fast enough)

You wrongly conclude that small, good decisions don’t matter that much.
You wrongly conclude that small, bad decisions don’t matter that much.

2. We don’t fully commit to one another

“Thus, the most complete definition of a commitment is this: falling in love with something and then building a structure of behavior around it for those moments when love falters. Commitment is a promise made from love. A commitment is making a promise to something without expecting a return—out of sheer lovingness.”
- David Brooks “The Second Mountain”

3. We have an unhealthy identity

How Do We Change:

1. Identify who you want to become.

Romans 12:2 - Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

2. Start small

· Decide the type of person you want to be

· Prove it to yourself with small wins

3. Don’t give up.

Zechariah 4:10 - Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin

Read Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18. Jesus is speaking of some of the spiritual disciplines

1. Jesus is speaking to ordinary people.

2. There are two potential rewards. A reward from men, or a reward from God.

3. Why we do what we do, matters greatly.

Hebrews 11:6 – And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

It is within our responsibility to:

1. Practice our faith

2. To ask the Spirit of God to purify our motives

SLIDE 9

Sanctification is the process of becoming like Jesus. It doesn’t happen overnight, it is a long obedience in the same direction.