"A Habitude Check"

 

“A Habitude Check”

 

During the fall our pastors delivered a series of sermons from 1 Thessalonians using faithfulness (both God’s and ours) as the overall theme. The letter concludes with 22 succinct commands (5:12-28) which characterize consistent godly living. In his message on the first part of this passage (verses 12-18) Next Generation Ministry Pastor Ricky Lindsey described the principles stated as “habitudes”, a term neither Karen nor I had heard before. So I did some research and found the word has Latin roots dating back to 1365 and is defined as “a habitual tendency or way of behaving”, an apt description of what Paul is telling his readers. Further, the suffix “-tude” refers to a condition or quality and “habit” is an action we repeat. The word in itself is neutral (as are other things such as time, money and TV)—it’s how we put it into practice that makes it positive or negative.

In 5:16-18 the Apostle writes, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Emphasis added). Pastor Ricky pointed out that these concise, no frills, commands, or habitudes, are always God’s will for us as His people (as is salvation for all—2 Peter 3:9 and purity of life—1 Thessalonians 4:3). Difficult? Perhaps. Possible? Definitely (“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”—Philippians 4:13, emphasis added).

In these challenging times of civil unrest, international tensions and the COVID crisis we need to take seriously these godly habitudes of joy, prayer and thankfulness. At times (more often than I care to admit) I find all three to be elusive because my faith isn’t as strong as it ought to be. But God’s always there (“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”—1 Thessalonians 5:24, NASB, emphasis added) so we can depend on His strength.

Are you (am I) ready for a habitude check?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan