Do you ever wonder how mature believers go about their day? What habits do they possess that keeps them moving forward on a daily basis? In Hebrews 13, the author reveals the habits of a faithful believer who keeps his eye on the eternal prize that awaits him.
Your eternal prize is Jesus Himself. Do you desire to know Him and be known by Him?
Habit #1 – Keep loving each other. God is love, and you are called to love like Jesus loved.
Habit #2 – Show hospitality to strangers. God loves those who follow Him and those who don’t. You are called to love everyone.
Habit #3 – Remember those in prison. Have empathy with those who are struggling. Care and pray for those who are experiencing hard times. They come to all of us at one time or another. Share in the joys and hardships in life.
Habit #4 – If you are married, remain faithful and give honor to your marriage. Marriage reflects the Trinity more than any other relationship. Take your vows seriously.
Habit #5 – Do not love money. Be satisfied with what you have. You are called to love God and His ways more. Be careful for money will tempt you to ignore God where you will be lured away.
How in the world can a believer be content and satisfied, especially with so many distractions that are alluring? Know for certain that God will never fail you nor will He abandon you; see Deuteronomy 31:6,8. Let God astound you with His faithfulness over your life. You can be confident in the Lord for He helps you. There is no reason to fear; see Psalm 118:6.
Let God’s love transform your heart, mind, and soul to see Jesus first and foremost.
Habit #6 – Follow the example of pastors that teach truth. Be active at a Bible believing church.
Habit #7 – Do not be attracted by strange new ideas. Don’t be drawn in. Again, the world is alluring in so many ways, but there is only 1 truth. Remain focused on Christ and His ways. Walk by the Holy Spirit and He will keep you close to Jesus.
Remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your strength comes from God’s grace, and Jesus suffered to make you holy by His own blood. You are to go to Him, separating yourself from worldly living and bear His disgrace. This means you are to bear the image of Christ in all areas of your life. This world is not your home; see verses 8,9,12-14. Until God takes you home, offer through Christ a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming allegiance to His name; see verse 15.
Habit #8 – Do good and share with those in need. This pleases God. You are called to sacrifice your life for the good of others.
Habit #9 – Obey your spiritual leaders. They are called to watch over your soul. Live in such a way that they have reason to do their job with joy. Again, be active at a Bible-believing church. You need a believing community of people who are heading in the same direction as you.
Habit #10 – Live honorably in everything you do.
Why live in such a worthy manner? Because the God of Peace who brought up from the dead the Lord Jesus, who is the great Shepherd of the sheep, will equip you with all that you need to do God’s will. May He produce in you, through the power of Christ, every good thing that pleases God.
Let God grow you up in the ways of the Lord.
The author ends with an urgent plea to pay attention to what has been written. Develop God pleasing habits that will mature and enhance your faith. You will become a brighter beacon of hope to a dying world.
Carol J German 