Rhythms

The word “rhythm” is defined as a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. We rolled into February of this year in our regular rhythms and in March our apple carts were all upset.

And now, we’ve had some time to reflect and look back, and see how it has affected us. We’ve been forced into doing some things like we’ve never known they could really be done – like church. Some things were removed; other things have been added.  I’d like to ask you a few diagnostic questions relating to all of this. Think about these questions and apply them to your lives.

 

What was removed that you don’t want to reinstate?

What was identified that you don’t want to ignore?

What was activated that you don’t want to deactivate?

           

Some things were beneficially removed from us, and it was a good thing, and we don’t want them back. Some things were identified in our lives that we don’t want to ignore. Some things were activated and we don’t want them de-activated. And they touched every area of life.

Spiritual growth is a journey, and that means it takes time. Sure, we want to speed up the process, but we can’t. It’s a lifetime journey where God teaches us one lesson at a time to develop our character so we become more like Jesus.

At the core of this journey are rhythms that help us grow spiritually. These rhythms or disciplines or habits aren’t new; they’ve been around for thousands of years.

Here’s the truth: You can talk the biggest talk, but you won’t grow deeper spiritually until you walk the walk. We are the sum of our habits.

I want to challenge you today to make sure that the rhythms of your life are on point. I want to share four non-negotiable rhythms for the Christ-follower. These aren’t the only habits that help you grow spiritually, but they are incredibly important.

 

Read your Bible daily. 

Jesus said this in John 8:31b-32, NASB, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

 

Pray often. 

Followers of Jesus spend time with Jesus. God’s Word tells us in John 15:7-8, NASB, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

 

Tithe consistently. 

Tithing reminds us that everything we own belongs to God. He doesn’t just own that first 10 percent. He owns it all. If God isn’t Lord of our possessions, He isn’t our Lord.

 

Worship weekly. 

The Ten Commandments are not suggestions or good ideas. They are commandments. And one of them tells us, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God. Exodus 20:8-10a, NASB.

 

If you incorporate these habits into your life, you will grow spiritually.  You can visit lowcountrycc.org/rhythm for a 21 Day Guide to Creating Healthy Rhythms.  Join us Sundays online at lowcountrycc.org as we continue our Rhythm series over the next few weeks.