7 Daily Habits that all Christian Men MUST HAVE! (Post #48)

"You see, I’m learning that if I can create consistent, healthy habits, then the desired results will naturally and eventually come my way." 

​I know, I know, I know.  It’s been a while, I know.  And, I’m sorry for the gap, I really am.  However, I think you’ll be glad to know that I’ve been gone dealing with some good stuff.  I went on vacation to Texas to marry my niece, I joined our youth counselors to take our youth group to the Florida State Youth for Christ Conference (and I’m thankful to God that they did an awesome job), and I had my sister’s family and kids over for the 4thof July.  
 
But, enough of all of that… I’m glad to be back. 

​So, this weekend I had to teach an enrichment topic at our Tri-County Minister’s Meeting.  The topic was a good one and many in attendance expressed their appreciation for it. Therefore, I figured that if I shared the information once, I might as well share it again.  
 
Want to know what it is?  Well, here it goes… 
 
So, I’ve been on a new wave as of a few days ago. 

I’m no longer worried about results, endings, or outcomes.  Instead, I’m now choosing to focus my attention on the creation of good habits.  You see, I’m learning that if I can create consistent, healthy habits, then the desired results will naturally and eventually come my way.  
​

In my life, I’m praying to cultivate and create the following habits.  I pray you’ll join me in their creation.  Thus, the title:  7 Daily Habits that All Christian Men Need… 

• #1 – Pray your own personalized version of the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13 details the narrative of Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. I love His example of prayer because (in my opinion) it does more than just teach us howto pray.  Instead, it further demonstrates why we must be dependent upon prayer.  Within the prayer, he challenges his disciples to petition the Throne of God in a number of ways.  Ways that do more than just give us stuff; more importantly, they create relational intimacy.  I think a great daily habit for us to is craft a personally tailored and self-specified form of this prayer, specifically structured for our individual needs.  Acknowledge the supremacy of His Will, ask clearly for what you need, make known your errors, and even declare openly the people you need to forgive.  There is great power in prayer, and any prayer taught by Christ is one I want to emulate.
• #2 – Talk brutally honest with God about what you’re not telling anyone else.  For me, it’s when I’m riding to work; however, for you, it may be different. Whatever the time, you should establish a point in everyday were you talk openly and transparently to God.  No holding back.  Give Him all of jealousies, lusts, laziness, insecurities, addictions, bad habits, negative thoughts, all of it.  Fact:  most men struggle with introspective communication.  However, the struggle doesn’t get any easier if you avoid it.  Sooo… if you’re not talking, make a habit of talking openly to God.  Establishing a daily, open, and uninhibited communication habit with God will eventually cultivate a mind that finds an eased ability with sharing your feelings verbally. 
• #3 – Have a personal devotion.  I have to clarify why this is important.  As a minister, I’m always in the midst of Bible study. However, the studies are typically designed to feed the congregation.  I’m learning more and more that congregational sermon prep won’t substitute for the very necessary time it takes to feed my own mind.  I’m a big fan of the YouVersion Bible app.  It creates daily reading plans, customized to your individual needs. If you don’t have it, get it. And when you do, connect with me!
• #4 – Do something physical.  It takes as little as 25 minutes.  Walk, run, bike, lift, whatever, just get active!
• #5 – Establish one extra thing that needs to happen every day.  Let me explain.  So, we all know that each day comes with its own preset list of to-dos.  However, I’m urging you to add just 1 more thing to that list.  I’m talking about one of those things that end up stacking up and inevitably smothering you.  Mail something, prep your tax paperwork, organize your closet, take care of some errands, etc.  Adding one a day, makes 7 a week, 29-31 a month, and 365 task a year. Sounds like nothing, but it will bless you in a major way.  
• #6 – Journal your personal commitment to your mission.  This sounds like a lot, but it’s easily 12 sentences.  You first start with your four areas of personal mission. For me, my four areas are Christian, Husband, Father, and Minister.  For each category, write a sentence detailing how you were successful, something to improve, and how you can be better tomorrow.  Trust me, it’s very worth it.  
• 7 – Tell your wife and kids that you love them.   Too easy!

 
I believe that I could go on for days; however, I think you get it.  Healthy habits are important, and these are 7 that I pray you’ll consider implementing. 
 
So, what did you think?  Was this helpful?  Which habit registered with you the most?  Please comment below and let me know.  Agree?  Disagree? I want to hear from you.  Like us on Facebook.  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter and share this post with someone you love. Thanks in advance.  
 
Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)