Spiritual disciplines train us for godliness.

We become what we behold. That is why our habits matter.

For many people, January 1st is an opportunity to reset their habits, particularly those around physical health. This is not unimportant; Scripture teaches us that we should care for our bodies, and that bodily training is of some value (1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Timothy 4:8).

But what about the habits of your heart and soul?

What are the habits that will shape your mind's attention and your heart's affection for the person and work of God in the days, years, and life to come?

What are Spiritual Disciplines?

Those things which help us to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Training in godliness. Habits that form our minds' attention, hearts' affection, and outward witness to delight in knowing and following God more wholeheartedly. Scripture does not provide one comprehensive list of spiritual disciplines. But Scripture has much to say about how God calls his people to live. And the means and instruments God uses to conform His people to the image of His Son

How to begin new spiritual disciplines.

Spiritual disciplines are one of the means by which God can conform us to the image of His Son. Where would He like you to begin as you set out to know and love him more deeply in the days ahead?
Don’t change your whole life. Spiritual formation is a journey, not a destination, which means that we never arrive. But we grow in maturity and godliness one step at a time for the entirety of our lives. So maybe starting small means:
Pray in bed before reaching for your phone.
Keep your Bible open on the counter and read a psalm while you wait for your food or coffee.
Pray with your spouse or children before bed a few nights a week.
Leave five minutes early to introduce yourself to someone new at church.
Commit to showing up and sharing in Life Group every week this semester.
Ask someone to read a book of the Bible with you for the next six weeks.
This is one small act of commitment. Taking something from your head, into the physical world as a measurable aim of how you would like to spend your days, and who you would like to become.
As one new discipline becomes a habit, add another. Find habits that can go together - like praying for your family while you fold the laundry, or reading the sermon passage on Saturday evening before bed, or listening to an audio Bible on your commute to school or work.
Research says that it takes at least 18 days to form a new habit. Don’t get discouraged, push through the early drudgery and discomfort. If your commitment does not, over time, lead toward increasing sanctification - growing in the fruit of the Spirit - then reevaluate and adjust.
Whether a friend or roommate, spouse or Life Group member, find others who can help encourage and challenge you toward godliness and maturity.