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Ten habits of successful disciples

 A question often asked by new Christians is how God can be part of everyday life. Here is a list with some of my suggestions: 

1. Life in prayer. Get into the habit of regular prayer. Make a time for daily prayer (often this will be first thing in the morning). Also get into the habit of responding in prayer throughout the day as you go about your daily business (James 5:13). All of our lives are lived "before God"; one Christian wrote about this as "practising the presence of God. Prayer is not only about presenting requests, but also about giving thanks and praising/worshipping God. 

2. "Manna". Just as the children of Israel were fed in the wilderness with a daily provision of manna from heaven, so as Christians we need to feed on God's word on a daily basis. In my experience, this will involve focusing on a verse or word relevant for each day. 

3. Household table. A recurring feature in the teaching of the Apostles (written down in our New Testament) is a list of different social roles fulfilled by Christians and how these can be informed and motivated by central Christian truths, such as the Lordship of Christ or God's love and forgiveness. For the most part our lives are lived out in these relationships, and it is here that we live our our Christian way of life. 

4. Work. Both the western monastic tradition and Protestant Christianity have a very high view of work as a calling for the Christian (Ora et Labora, and the Protestant work ethic). It is good for a Christian to have an area of expertise where they can excel and produce work "as to the Lord". This also applies even if the work we do is less glamorous. Thomas a Kempis (late middle ages) found a way to wash dishes to the glory of God. An extension of point 4 above is that we are to do "everything" in the name of Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father through him. This includes something as mundane as "eating and drinking". (Col 2:17, 1 Cor 10:13) 

5. Friendships. Have older, more mature Christians that you can learn from. 1 Cor 11:1: "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Likewise, make friends with Christian peers (equals) with whom you can pray, share about the Christian life etc. Nurture and maintain those friendships. 

6. Use of Time. The gospel is full of parables about good stewardship. One of the most precious resources we have is our time. Eph 5:13 speaks of "redeeming the time, for the days are evil". This means not wasting time, or spending it on things which are not profitable. It does not exclude the imperative of rest and recreation. 

7. Spend time in the company of God's people, in fellowship and mutual encouragement , especially on the Lord's Day. Besides attending service/s, spend time eating together, visiting, etc. Without being legalistic or imposing our convictions on others, we can use this day to great benefit - and miss out by being distracted with other things. Related to this are opportunities to attend larger assemblies and conferences of God's people, such as North West Gospel Partnership or Keswick. 

8. Give as well as taking. Giving is mainly about doing things for others (rather than others just doing things for you). It also includes financial giving. A good habit is to tithe (give 10% of income). It is not a strict requirement - nor a ceiling on how much we can give and be generous. Another form of giving is volunteering espeically using gifts to serve. (1 Peter 4:9-11). 

9. Providence. Come to see all of life and its circumstances as being ordered by God. Learn to accept setbacks and sufferings "from God's hand". See trials such as illness as part of God's plan for your life. 

10. Love God with your mind. Do not be content to sidestep all intellectual issues, even if some questions remain unanswered. Read books that explore the truth. Read non-Christian books from a Christian perspective (some people call this "plundering the Egyptians"). Know what you believe. 


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