So the evidence was obvious to my dentist–I do not floss everyday. But to give me the opportunity for growth and for confession she asked, “So how often do you floss, once a week, once a month, every other week?” Well at that point I confessed. “At best I am a random flosser. I floss when I feel that something is stuck in between my teeth. Popcorn, corn…” Why do they ask? They answer is obvious. I hate the embarrasing moment. But I still go back. And I still don’t floss. Though I know that I should. I believe it. Yet I have not changed. Not enough pain? Not enough discipline? Not enough accountability? Well I guess I’ve created a moment of accountability now by blogging.

New habits are best acquired with persistence over time, belief/knowledge as to the new behaviour’s necessity, and accountability. For all followers of Jesus spiritual disciplines are new behaviours. Spiritual disciplines are habits that create the space in which we can meet Jesus Christ and labour with the grace He provides so that our lives become more Christ-like.

This past Sunday I spoke at Cityview on having an open heart toward God and the discipline of reading and applying His Word–the Bible to our lives. I love the story from Preaching Today of the African village where many people became followers of Jesus. As they began to acquire the habit of meeting God daily in prayer and His Word there were a number of paths heading out from the village to lonely places. These paths were known by the name of the person walking there to meet Jesus. When they neglected the habit of meeting Jesus it became obvious to others. The congregation developed a gentle way of reminding the fellows believer and calling them back to a disciplined life, “I’ve noticed that there is grass growing on your path.”

Oh is there grass growing on your path? Have you neglected the Way? Jesus calls you gently back to Himself. The tenderness and pain in your life calls you back. The Lord says, “I have loved you an everlasting love; i have drawn you with loving kindness. I will build you up again…” Jeremiah 31:3-4