Resolutions Fade but Habits Endure

Pastoral

Dec 12

Written By SBC | Scottsdale Bible Church

Pastoral | January 9, 2024 | By: Michael Tooker

As the New Year begins, many of us find ourselves thinking about resolutions. We dream about fitness goals, career aspirations, or plans to spend more time with family. But how many of those resolutions actually stick? By February, the gym is often quieter, and our goals feel like distant memories. What if instead of setting resolutions this year, we focused on building habits—specifically, habits that deepen our relationship with Christ?

In his December 8th sermon on Peace, Pastor Jamie shared a story about a friend of his, Doug, who spent 50 years faithfully practicing spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible reading, serving others, and more. When Doug faced a severe medical crisis, one that left him confined to a hospital bed for weeks, he was blessed by a profound peace. Why? Because the years he had invested in his relationship with God sustained him. The spiritual habits he built over decades became a source of strength, allowing him to sense God's presence even in his most challenging moments. Jamie reminded us that practicing spiritual disciplines consistently leads to experiencing the peace of God—not just occasionally, but as a regular part of our lives. It’s the kind of peace that sustains us when life is anything but peaceful.

The spiritual habits he built over decades became a source of strength, allowing him to sense God's presence even in his most challenging moments.

One of the best resources I’ve come across on establishing habits is James Clear’s book Atomic Habits. Clear argues that while goals are important, they often go unrealized without the right habits to support them. For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon but you don’t build the habit of running regularly, the goal remains out of reach. On the other hand, if you commit to running three times a week, the habit itself will carry you closer to your goal—sometimes without you even realizing it.

The same is true for our spiritual lives. Many of us desire to grow closer to God. But without the habits of prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship, that desire often remains just that—a desire. When we commit to these habits, though, something incredible happens. Over time, we not only achieve our goal of deepening our relationship with God, but we also experience unexpected blessings: peace, joy, and a greater sense of purpose. But don’t be in a rush. As Rick Warren aptly points out in The Purpose Driven Life, “There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character; you must practice them—and that takes time!” (page 219)

Over time, we not only achieve our goal of deepening our relationship with God, but we also experience unexpected blessings.

In another sermon during our Advent season, this one on joy, Jamie shared about his experience attending a recent Rooted graduation celebration at SBC. He said, “I have never felt so much energy. I have never seen so much excitement.” The source of the joy? Through the Rooted experience, participants learned and practiced seven foundational spiritual rhythms. By practicing these rhythms (Jamie prefers to call them disciplines) their spiritual lives had been rejuvenated. These disciplines—daily devotions, repentance, prayer, service, worship, generosity, and sharing our story—bring joy into our lives. Jamie’s encouragement was simple but powerful: try it! Lean into the spiritual rhythms that God uses to shape our hearts and lives.

This year, I want to challenge and encourage you to make discipleship a theme in your spiritual life. Whether you are a brand-new follower of Christ or have been walking with Him for decades, you and I have room to grow. And the best way to grow is to build habits that draw us closer to Him.

A great way to start is by participating in the "Rooted experience," which begins on January 29. Rooted is not just a class; it’s a discipleship experience designed to help you develop spiritual habits in a supportive community. Participants consistently share how these rhythms have transformed their faith. It’s a space to experience joy, peace, and connection like never before.

As we step into this new year, I encourage you to consider what habits you can build that will deepen your relationship with Christ. Maybe it’s setting aside 10 minutes each morning to pray. Maybe it’s committing to reading one chapter of the Bible every day. Or maybe it’s joining Rooted and allowing God to work through that experience.

Resolutions fade, but habits endure. And the habits of discipleship—prayer, Scripture, and community—have the power to change your life. So, as you think about what this year holds, ask yourself: What habits will I build to grow in my relationship with Christ? And what steps will I take to make this year one of deepening faith and joyful discipleship?