Reflecting in the Rearview Mirror: Habits, Character, and Those We Influence
This past week, a powerful phrase echoed in my mind: "You become your habits, and your children become you."
Let's unpack the first part: "You become your habits." Don't you agree? The things we consistently repeat slowly carve grooves in our hearts, minds, and very character.
Take daily Bible reading, for instance. It's not just about reading scripture; it's about shaping the core of who you are, someone who navigates life through a biblical lens.
I recently heard about a man who exemplified this. When Mark Early’s gubernatorial campaign ended in a close, crushing defeat, he didn't let it break him. The next morning, he was up, continuing his daily habits: reading his Bible, making breakfast for his kids, and facing the world with a calm perspective.
That election loss happened when his son, Justin, was sixteen years old. Leading up to that day of political defeat, Justin remembers seeing his dad reading his bible every morning.
There was no willpower vacuum in this man. Years of practice, of quiet time with God, patient love for his children and a non-anxious view of the world had shaped him into someone who could handle both victory and defeat with grace.
Habits Ripple Outward:
We are slowly shaped by what we consume – food, media, relationships, and yes, even the thoughts we feed our minds. These habits deeply influence our very "core," our essence.
Habits and our presence, then have a greater impact on disrupting cultural moods than arguments and apologetics. While we need to be able to articulate our faith, we also need to internalize it and live it!
Children are Mirrors:
And if you have the privilege of being a parent or deeply involved in a child's life, consider this: they rarely learn life lessons from us in a formal classroom setting. Instead, they absorb our coping mechanisms, observing how we deal with life's curveballs.
I already see my daughter mimicking my mannerisms (some are endearing, others not so much!). She pushes up her sleeves, loves peanut butter, and laughs with her whole heart. While she'll become her own person, part of that “person” will be formed by Erika and I.
In his book, Habits of the Household, Justin Whitmel Earley suggests that the best way to raise children of faith is to examine not only your parenting tactics, but also your personal daily habits and relationship with God.
Even if you haven't yet started a family or if your children have flown the coop, this principle still holds true. Your friends, community group members, those you care for – they are all impacted by your habits and character, just as a child is by their parents.
A Daily Reflection:
Perhaps this is a call to take a long look at our daily practices and ask ourselves: "Am I becoming the person I want to be?" Is the goal of Christ being formed in me just an aspiration, or am I actively working towards it, day by day?
What daily habits are shaping you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and share insights too. This is a topic I'm passionate about, and it's inspiring to see how God shapes individuals who then form vibrant communities. Feel free to reach out!
With You;
Pastor Tim
