Cultivate These 2 Habits So Your Life Glorifies God

Everyone has habits that become distinctive marks of each person's personality and way of life. Yet not all of these habits are good. Sometimes there are bad traits that we keep nurturing which, little by little, take root and become character within us.

For example, we are very reactive to problems so that we are easily hurt, offended, or find it hard to forget other people's mistakes. Or, we are used to always wanting our own way. We have no empathy for others, feel we are the most right, like to control, and so on.

If this continues, it is not impossible that our bad habits will make other people turn away from God, because they do not see any difference in being a Christian.

So then, what habits must we cultivate so that our lives can become a means of bringing glory to God?

 A Good Way of Life

“But I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

What would happen if Christians let the habits formed by their natural personalities control their lives?

Conflicts would never cease. They would find it hard to speak honestly or be open with one another because they are afraid of looking vulnerable. They could not be close because they hold grudges against each other and refuse to forgive. They would often quarrel because all parties want to take control and feel the most entitled to do so.

That is why Peter reminds us:

“Keep a good way of life among the Gentiles, so that though they accuse you as evildoers, they may see it from your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits them.” – 1 Peter 2:12

Therefore, cultivate the following two habits so that you may have a better life in the Lord.

Habit 1: A Humble Attitude

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Humility is not an attitude that is easy to practice because basically human beings have pride. Some assume that being humble means we are weak, powerless, and cowardly.

In reality, humility is one way to love others and glorify God. The Bible says that when we are humble, other good qualities, such as gentleness and patience, will naturally follow.

David is one of our examples in humility (1 Samuel 24). When Saul pursued David all the way to En-Gedi, he was trying to kill him because he was jealous that David was more celebrated by the people (1 Samuel 18:6-9). Saul feared that the throne would fall into David's hands.

As a result, David was forced to flee from city to city. Yet in En-Gedi, when David had the opportunity to kill Saul first, he did not do it.

See this day how your own eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and some told me to kill you, but I spared you for I thought, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, for he is the anointed of the Lord.’” – 1 Samuel 24:10

His respect for God and his love for Saul kept David from feeling more entitled to bring Saul down. The result? Saul acknowledged that David was righteous and even blessed him (1 Samuel 24:17-19).

“... doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

If you are humble, you will not think about your pride, ego, reputation, and personal interests. Humility makes you selfless, able to put other people's needs before your own without feeling forced. Do not let selfishness, impatience, and irritability control your life. Instead, make humility part of your habits in every situation.

Habit 2: Quick to Forgive

“Forgive” is a terrifying word for some people. Why should we forgive those who do evil to us? Isn't forgiving a sign of weakness? How convenient for them to be forgiven so easily!

In Matthew 18:21-35, the story is told of a servant who owed his king ten thousand talents. If converted, that would be about 4.8 trillion rupiah. One talent was equal to twenty years of wages at that time. So, ten thousand talents meant wages for 200,000 years! Even if the servant sold his house, children, and wife, and everything he owned, he would never be able to repay his debt.

So, the one thing this servant needed most was forgiveness for his debts. And that is exactly what the king gave him.

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave his debt. – Matthew 18:27

This servant whose debt was forgiven must have been overwhelmed with joy. After that, we might think his life story ends with a happy ending.

However, let us see how this servant responded when he met a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii, about 1.2 million rupiah.

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He seized him and began to choke him, saying, Pay what you owe! So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, Be patient with me, and I will pay it back. But he refused and had him thrown into prison until he should pay the debt. – Matthew 18:28-30

When the king found out, he became angry and said:

“Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” – Matthew 18:33

In the end, the first servant was handed over to the jailers until he paid all his debt.

“So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” – Matthew 18:35

What if we find it hard to forgive?

When you struggle to forgive others, think about this: your debt to God is as great as the first servant's debt, 4.8 trillion rupiah, or your salary for 200,000 years. You would never be able to repay that debt. So, when a brother or sister sins against you, consider that they “only” owe you Rp. 1,200,000.-.

Your debt, your wrongdoing, your sin against God is far greater than the sin of the brothers and sisters who have hurt you!

Even David himself forgave Saul more than once (1 Samuel 26). When Saul once again pursued him and David had the opportunity to kill him, David spared Saul again. Why? Because David believed the Lord would repay each person according to his righteousness (1 Samuel 26:23).

Leave behind the habit of holding grudges and being hard to forgive. Even if you say you have forgotten, it does not mean you have forgiven if you still avoid meeting that person. When you cannot treat them kindly as before, and are even reluctant to communicate, you have not yet given full forgiveness. Remember, God wants you to forgive with all your heart.

“Bear with one another, and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must do.” – Colossians 3:13

Let us cultivate the habits of humility and readiness to forgive so that we may have a better and more meaningful life in God's sight. Amen.

*Church GKDI currently exists in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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