Habits are actions that are slowly worked into the average human’s routine. When such actions become habits, you most likely would do them without thinking or realizing that you’re doing them. If the year 2024 has had you thinking about how you can be more Christ-like, you might already be putting some things in place, and you’ve found yourself on this page.
In a world where people try to define what kind of Christians they are or not, ‘irreligious’, ‘orthodox’, ‘legalistic’ ‘Pentecostal’, and so on based on doctrine or personal perspective and experience, this article focuses on effectiveness in being a true follower of Christ. Let us explore 10 habits of effective Christians that you can imbibe in the year 2024.
10 Habits of Effective Christians in 2024
1. Surrendering unto God: It means aligning our will with his, and following His guidance and direction. It is easy to surrender to God if you trust him to provide for your needs, and not worry about the future. And, trusting God is as simple as not leaning on your understanding. (Prov 3:5-6)
2. Read and meditate on God’s word: We are encouraged to dedicate time each day for personal devotion. Dive into Scripture, reflect on its teachings, and strengthen our connection with God. However, do not limit yourself to these fixed times with God’s word. Let God’s word be in your heart, so, you’re always meditating on them in your car, on the road, in the bathroom, in class, etc. That is how to truly have God’s word always before you.
3. Seek God First: God is not a distant being living in the skies, but a loving Father who desires to have a close and intimate relationship with us, and He invites us to draw near to Him. We can seek His presence and fellowship by spending time with Him in worship, in silence, and in nature. He is longing for us to hear his voice and have conversations with him. Seeking God first means putting Him above everything else in our lives, and making Him our highest priority.
4. Fellowship with other believers: Engage actively in a community of believers. Attend church services, join small groups, and participate in outreach programs. The support and encouragement from fellow believers will strengthen your faith, and provide you a sense of belonging in the body of Christ.
5. Be Grateful: Being grateful means recognizing and appreciating all the blessings and gifts that God has given us, even the minute ones we tend to overlook. A practical hands-on approach to this is by keeping a journal. Write down at least three things you are thankful for at the end of each day, and reflect on how God has been working in your life.
Say ‘thank you’ often. A simple thank you can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated and valued. It can also strengthen your relationships and increase your joy. You can also show your gratitude by giving back to God and by being a blessing to others.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL TO BE THE FIRST TO SEE OUR EDIFYING POSTS
6. Be Humble: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5) Being humble means having a lowly and modest view of ourselves, and a high and respectful view of God and others. To practice humility and cultivate a humble heart, learn from others. Serve others with love, compassion, and generosity. Use your gifts and talents to edify and benefit others.
7. Be Joyful: Joy, as opposed to happiness comes from God, and not from the world. Some practical ways to be joyful is by not forgetting how much God loves you, and how He has demonstrated His love for you through Jesus Christ. Count your blessings, all the good things that God has done for you, and all the good things that He has in store for you. Smile and laugh often, and share your joy with others. Enjoy the simple and beautiful things in life. Allow yourself to be lighthearted by placing all your burdens and cares on Jesus.
8. Be Prayerful: To pray means to communicate with God regularly and sincerely, and express our thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires to Him. As a two-way interaction, prayer is not complete without listening to God’s voice and seeking His will. Prayer involves interceding for others and praying for their needs and concerns. We shortchange ourselves when we limit prayer to a certain time or place but pray throughout the day also, and in every situation.
Pray when you wake up, and when you go to sleep. Pray when you eat, and when you work. Pray when you are happy, and when you are sad. Pray when you are in need, and when you are in abundance. Pray when you are alone, and when you are with others. Pray according to God’s Word, and most importantly pray in the spirit, whether in tongues or your understanding.
9. Be Fruitful: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Being fruitful means bearing the fruit of good works, which are sharing the gospel, making disciples, serving the needy, and doing justice.
Don’t try to be fruitful by your strength, or your efforts, but abide in Christ, and let Him be your source and your sustenance. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Cultivate your gifts. Don’t bury or neglect your gifts, but cultivate them, and use them for God’s glory, and others’ good. Bear witness to Christ. Don’t hide or deny your faith, but bear witness to Christ, and His salvation. Embrace a lifestyle of generosity by sharing your time, talents, and resources. Look for opportunities to make a positive impact in your community, reflecting God’s love through acts of kindness and service to others.
10. Give yourself to continuous Learning: Commit to intentional spiritual growth by immersing yourself in God’s Word and exploring Christian literature. Attend workshops, conferences, or online courses that deepen your understanding of the Bible and Christian principles, fostering a lifelong journey of learning and wisdom.
Conclusions on how to be an effective Christian in 2024
This article is not about how to set your moral compass right, as this would rather make a shame of being a Christian’, who is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
If being an effective Christian was about a moral compass, you would have read a quick rundown of one hundred and four rules or a to-do list as though to be an effective Christian, you have to keep to those rules like a robot would. Never forget, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Phil 2.13.
If you like this article, check out this story from Hearty Christian Stories
