How to form a lifelong habit in Christ

How to Form a Lifelong Habit in Christ

As members of the Christian community, we must dedicate our time to regular bible reading. But sometimes, we fail to integrate scripture studies into our daily activities.

Most times, we rely on Christian teachers like pastors to take us to the Bible all the time in Christ Jesus. In essence, it seems taking our little time to study on our own or as a group doesn’t come across our mind.

The Bible has already made it known to us that it is meant for everyone, not just a particular set of people.

So, as a church leader or teacher, you are responsible for setting your congregation up for a lifelong scripture study habit.

We will give you seven tips to get believers in the Christian fate started. Also read: Why faith is becoming more popular

1. Offer a Way of Life, Not an Extracurricular Activity.

In a society where every inch of conviction is advertisement driven, we’re drawn to “sell” spiritual discipline to believers.

Out of our knowledge, we may say things like, “it’ll only take a few minutes of your time.” study the scripture for a few minutes than never will take you to the place where you fulfill destiny.

Others like “just try to go through a few verses during your spare time,” all in a bid to win followers for our Lord.

Obviously, it is better to study the scripture for a few minutes than never. At the same time, it should be known for us to take scripture reading more seriously than just leisure.

The scripture’s value is revealed through how we present it to new believers. We must resist the temptation of making the Christian faith easy, cheap, and convenient.

It should be known that scripture studies are a way of life, not just for leisure.

We are supposed to form the habit of immersing ourselves in the sacred texts from the scripture for them to become part of our activities.

This is not an easy task, but it is meant to be so, and that’s the best way to present it.

2. Posture Yourself as a Friend, Not an Expert.

Church leaders might keep new community members from getting serious about the Bible by making it sound like only experts can understand it.

This unintentional act promotes the belief that studying the Bible is for experts alone. And it contradicts the fact that it is for all that desire fellowship with the father.

Presenting yourself as a friend and inviting a partner to join you in scripture studies is better.

Make it appear like you’re inviting him/her to join you in exploring the power of the scripture.

As a church leader, your role is not to appear as a biblical scholar but as a fellow exploring the word of God with God’s people.

To achieve this, study the Bible with new believers and share your discoveries as your read together.

Also, share your questions and find the answers together when you don’t have the answers. The aim here is devotion and discipleship not scholarship.

3. Begin with the Triune God of Love.

The need for this clearly cannot be overstated; it is not done to introduce Christian discipline without making God known.

Like with every other Christian activity, reading the Bible should begin with the Trinity. This is done to get closer to our “God in three persons.”

The divine relationship of God’s love is the foundation of all creation and existence.

God the Father is pouring forth love upon God the Son; God the Son is pouring forth love on God the Father.

And together, in love, they send the Holy Spirit that we might come to know this divine interpersonal love experientially (see John 14:23–31; John 15:26; Acts 2:32–33; Titus 3:3–7).

For this, God is graciously and lovingly seeking us. To know this God is not just a matter of gathering information but also engaging with him in person.

Studying the Bible is way beyond hearing about God; it also involves hearing from God.

Most times, Christians are bent towards utility and knowledge, leading most to ask questions like “what can I get from this book?”.

Obviously, there’s a lot to gain from the scripture, but the discipline of reading the scripture is to come first—this is a way to enjoy sweet fellowship with the triune God of love.

4. Name and Address the Cultural Value of Immediacy.

From research, fast food, and the social media, reading and going through large piles of literature is not natural.

Our lives have become geared toward immediacy. For instance, when I plan a date with my spouse, we set time aside and limit distractions.

It is good practice to plan our Bible reading habits similarly. As a church leader, I suggest you implement this advice;

• Create an appointment on your calendar. If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not a priority.
• Find a space void of distractions. A quiet patio, a coffee shop, or even just a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones will go a long way.
• Turn off your cell phone. We can go off the grid for 30 minutes to fellowship with God.
• Use inspiring tools. Get a nice study Bible, journal, highlighter, and pen that inspires you to engage.

5. Lead with the Gospels.

As much as all of the scripture is important. It is good to point new members of the Christian society to the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels.

We believe that Jesus is God in Human form and the clearest manifestation of God.

Start by making it known that the very essence of being a Christian is to know and imitate our Lord Jesus Christ.

6. Encourage Reflective Reading.

To foster reflective reading, I have compiled these five steps below to help new believers see the Bible more as a leader to engage with the Holy Spirit other than a cumbersome note.

With more concern on reflecting on the scripture than getting the right answer immediately. I think this will help new believers on their scripture study journey.

1. Start in silence.

Start with a little while of mental detox and an awareness of God’s presence. Contemplate God’s affection toward you as you open up the Word of God.

2. Mark up what you read.

While studying, mark any verse, phrase, word, or theme that catches your attention or raises a question.

Highlight, underline, and jot down your thoughts in the margins.

The Spirit may be speaking to you through the process, and your notes and highlights will be a visual sign of your conversation with God.

3. Summarize the passage.

Reading and forgetting happen most of the time. Take time to write a summary of what you’ve read.

This is to help you understand what the text is all about.

If this method seems complicated, try paraphrasing each verse. Rewriting the scripture on your own will persuade you to pay attention to what you read.

4. Reflect and listen.

Contemplate the implications of what you read after reviewing your highlights and summary.

Then ask confidently, “What is the Spirit of God speaking to me in this present moment?”.

A word of comfort, direction, or wisdom. A connection between the text and your life might be revealed to you.

Even if you don’t, the aim is to listen to the Spirit, believing that God speaks through his words.

5. Pray the text.

In conclusion, end the session by praying through your reflection.

For example, if giving out to the helpless stands out to you after you reflected on the Sermon on the mount.

Say this prayer, “Father, teach me to give with a pure heart. May I seek a greater reward than people’s praises.”

Prayer is one recipe that informs the spirit being to receive and tell God your intentions.

There are two things prayer does: receiving from Christ and telling him the reason you would want to succeed.

Once you know the functions and pattern of prayer, you drive far than anyone else without contradiction.

Following all this you have learned will guide you to know the worth of prayer.

This is always the way if you must achieve your desire on earth because prayer is one of the keys to lift you up.