27 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
Most Christians wish to become spiritually mature but have a problem with consistency. They are likely to attend church, read their Bible sometimes or pray when they need something but eventually their faith life becomes stagnant. As a matter of fact, significant spiritual development does not occur immediately, instead, it occurs when we come to the realization that there really is a God, Jesus, Satan and most importantly, life after our physical death. This life will go on existing in one of two places, Heaven or Hell, here is the major obstacle that we face. God himself, makes us choose which place we will end up at, commonly called “freedom of choice”.
The perfection here is not all about creating a great and steady spiritual life but rather, it is all about determining to be purposeful in pursuing which route we will follow, Heaven or Hell. If we choose Heaven, we must be perfect in Jesus, however, should we decide that becoming perfect in Jesus is too much work then the answer is Hell. As we assume habits in all other spheres of life, in exercise, in work, financially, we are required to assume spiritual habits which will testify of our personalities and bring us closer to Christ.
The Spiritual Growth Requires Structure
God graces us and changes us and that change is enhanced when we do our part and when we work with His Word and His Spirit. Spiritual development, as with any other type of progression, needs to have a structure. That’s why learning how to develop Christian habits is so crucial for any believer who longs for long-lasting change. (Reference my book and other blogs of mine for more detailed insight to building our Christian character.)
Perfection in Jesus is not something haphazard, in fact it is a deliberate action on our part. We must make a deliberate effort of creating a Christ-like lifestyle. The mission is not to tick off boxes and conform to rules being rule-based, this is publicly boasting your pride The transition is to be more like Jesus in our thinking, actions and attitude. In order to do so we have to develop habits that will teach the heart to love what He loves and to do what He commands.
Why Habits are Important to Christian Life
It does not matter how small the habits are, it is always powerful. The actions you perform every day eventually make up your personality (Christian character). The lack of spiritual concerns in your day will result in the weakening of your faith. But when your days are filled with time in Scripture, prayer and service your heart will gradually be shaped into the likeness of Christ.
Good Christian practices stabilizes your soul when you are confused in life. They also become a solid foundation to fall back on when you are tested, tempted or even when you lose a battle with sin (believe me, this will happen to a Christian). That is when habits that you have already developed will work to keep you strong. Always keep in mind, Jesus will be judging our character at our judgement.
Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Habits
When you’re seeking how to develop Christian habits, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations. Concentrate on a small number of core practices and integrate them in your lives. Do not take this blog as to being the only way to develop your Christian character, go to God’s Word for the full details.
These are few ways of nurturing a consistent walk with God:
- Daily Time in Scripture
The truth, correction and growth are based on the Bible. It is important to read and meditate on Scripture every day, but it does not mean that it has to be a whole subject but from the scriptures dealing with the subject and don’t “cherry pick”. Don’t rush. Make some time to find out what God is saying and how this will relate to your life. In several of my writings you will notice that when we read scripture we must understand that literally God is speaking to us and we must obey.
- Prayer Life
Praying is not all about asking; it is about listening, surrendering and putting your heart into the will of God. Designate daily prayer times in your day, such as in the morning, between meals or during breaks in quiet. Talk truth, and give some silence. The more you dedicate yourself to prayer, the better relationship you will have with God.
- The Day of Rest and Sabbath
In a hectic society, relaxation is a luxury. God however created rest to be a part of our spiritual life. Discipline yourself to keep some time in order to rest, to slow down, to reflect and concentrate with limited distractions on God. This would remodel your priorities and bring back in your mind the reality that you are valuable in God’s sight.
- Accountability Fellowship
Human beings were not made to develop in solitude. Find a fellowship and meet regularly with other believers to encourage you, pray with you, and openly talk. Spiritual fellowship helps you stay on track whether in a church small group, a prayer partner, a Bible study or at the gym.
- Activeness and Hospitality
Serving others can help us shake the chains of selfishness and puts us in the right place of remembering that we are something more than just our own person. Seek to do a little bit at a time in giving your time, your encouragement, or your assistance. The donating practice creates a heart that imparts the compassion of Christ.
- Daily Self-Examination
Make a moment of the day to think about thoughts, deeds and incentives. Pray God to show you corners that require change and praise Him when you see the improvement. It is this nature of scrutiny that generates incessant repentance and actual transformation with time.
If you’re wondering how to develop Christian habits that stick, the answer is to start with small steps. You should not attempt to redesign your whole life immediately. Select one or two habits to get started and hold steady to them waiting to be filled by the Holy Spirit and the in-depth work of transformation.
Start Small, but Stay Faithful
The spiritual maturity does not come through one weekend seminar or an emotional worship, the spiritual maturity is the fruit of everyday obedience. In the long run, the little choices you take to pursue God, to hear His voice and to serve others will characterize your very spiritual life.
God’s Grace Covers the Process
Even in the process of building habits, God meets you with grace. He doesn’t expect flawless discipline, He desires a relationship, so when you fail, start again, when you drift, return. Remember that God is persistent and patient especially when you lose heart.
Jesus set an example of the significance of spiritual practices as he got up in the morning to pray, used Scripture at times of temptation and frequently went away to spend time with the Father. He didn’t just tell us what to do, He showed us how to develop Christian habits that sustain real spiritual life.
A Tool for Deeper Growth
For those looking to go deeper in their faith journey, Ken F. Miller’s upcoming book, Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, provides a detailed exploration of Christian maturity based on Scripture. Scheduled for release in August 2025, this book will serve as a valuable resource for believers seeking a stronger, more consistent walk with God.
Stay connected to TheDoctrineOfChrist.net for updates and additional tools to help you build a life centered on Christ, one habit at a time.
