The
dictionary defines the word habit as follows:“an acquired, repetitive behavior pattern.We all know that certain habits are a part of
our lives, with some of them being good and some of them being not so
good.Within our lives as Christians, we
also acquire these repetitive behavioral patterns that I like to call ‘holy
habits.’This is a concept that I picked
up from a Lutheran pastor, Wallace Fischer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.Loosely paraphrasing him, this is what he
said:
The first is worship.Our regular attendance at worship is both a
discipline and a growth tool.Our
worship leads us to new depths of faith.What we may not readily see is that our habit of worship is a witness to
both those in our community of faith and to the skeptical world around us.Our habits are observed by others and do
create a level of expectation about our manner of life beyond the sanctuary.This can be an opportunity for good
stewardship.This also has a carry over
to our private lives as well.There is a
certain rhythm added to our lives by the practice of daily scripture reading,
study and prayer.The ‘holy habit’ of
worship is a form of good stewardship.Just as in the area of nutrition we know that regular mealtimes and a
balanced diet are best for us.So in the
realm of the spiritual the steward will also strive to maintain balance.The helpful nutrition of the Word of God,
intentional periods of reflection and prayer will give renewal and strength to
the soul.
The second ‘holy habit’ that we need
acquire as Christians is service.All
that God in Christ has done on our behalf may leave us wondering and
adoring.Yet it is not meant to leave us
motionless.To be a steward is to handle
wisely the occasions which life presents to us.Far from being limited to money, stewardship is so inclusive as to
concern itself with attitudes and action and alacrity.What might we find out
about ourselves, if we took an inventory
of our commitment to minister to others?In what ways have we put our faith into action.It is so easy to let the daily pace of our
lives thwart any possibility of doing those little things that transmit our
caring, concern and love.But the
Apostle James reminds us in his epistle that we must be “doers of the word, not
merely hearers who deceive themselves.The ‘holy habit’ of service will prompt us to find the time to send that
card of thanks or concern; it may direct us to find ways to share meals with
the hungry and lonely who are confined; or deal with the neglected
relationships and unused possibilities which await us.
Which brings us to the present.As you read this, I hope you have had a
refreshing summer and as we begin a new program year, I look forward to your
committed presence in worship.I also
hope you have become aware many in our congregation who have over the past few
months have seen service opportunities within our own community of faith to
tidy up and freshen our church home.Appearances are important and those visiting us over the past few months
and in the future will know we care about each other and the structure we call
our church home.Yet there is still work
to be done.If you wish to be a part of
this, you can call me or respond to the 'Time and Talent information sheet
which will be forthcoming from the Board of Stewardship and Mission.
So then as a steward of God’s gifts
and blessings, may we seize every opportunity to attain new depth through our
worship and service.For in so doing we
will find again the joys which flow from the practice of ‘holy habits.’
