Foundation First: Building Habits That Actually Lastნიმუში

You might think the most important question to Jesus is whether you believe in Him.

But if you read through the Gospels carefully, you'll discover something surprising about what Jesus actually asks of people.

In Mark 1, when Jesus calls His first disciples, the text doesn't say they "dropped their nets and believed in Him." In Matthew 19, when Jesus encounters the rich young ruler who thinks he has everything figured out, Jesus doesn't say, "Sell all you have and believe in Me."

In moment after moment, what Jesus says is: "Follow Me."

Why doesn't Jesus stop with mental agreement? Because even the demons believe that Jesus is who He claims to be. James 2:19 CSB reminds us: "You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder.”

Agreeing with a few ideas isn't the end goal for Jesus. Jesus wants something more comprehensive and transformative.

When Jesus says "Follow Me" to His disciples, here’s my sense of what he’s saying: “I want you to think about what you believe, how you see yourself, how you treat others, how you make decisions, how you spend your time and money, and how you use your skills and talents. I want you to think about all of that in light of Me and fully trust in Me and My ."

Put another way: Jesus doesn't just want a weekend visit from you. He wants your whole life.

This might feel overwhelming, but every journey toward a destination begins with a small step. Reading this plan could be the step for you, and I want to celebrate that you’ve almost completed it. But I also want to encourage you to go further.

Justin Whitmer Earley wrote: "Our habits disciple us." Your daily habits provide structure for spiritual growth, like a trellis supporting a vine.

In the same way, your daily habits are forming you, discipling you, and shaping who you become. This is why building your life on Christ isn't just about a one-time decision. Building on Christ includes the daily choices that align your entire life with Jesus as your foundation.

Reflect on your current habits, such as your morning routine, evening rituals, how you spend your time and money, and what consistently occupies your thoughts. These habits are the building materials of your life, either building on Christ's foundation or creating instability that will show up when storms come.

The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that it's not about perfection; it's about progress in a specific direction. It's not about getting everything right immediately; it's about consistently choosing to build your life on Him rather than on shifting foundations.

When Jesus invites you to follow Him, He's inviting you into a life where He provides the stability, strength, and direction you need. He can handle the weight of your entire life, including your fears, failures, and hopes.

But this kind of formation requires more than merely intellectual agreement. Building your life on Jesus requires making daily decisions that align your life with His teachings, character, and mission.

Tomorrow, we'll explore practical habits that will help you build your life on the solid foundation of Christ.