Routine Revelation!

It has often been said that actions speak louder than words. Considering those things that become the practices and routines of our life is important because of what they may be shouting out to the world. What have people come to know as the HABITS of our life? What do the things most regularly done tell others about us? Whatever those things are will be seen as what we consider to be of the utmost importance.

While encouraging Christians going through a time of great persecution, the Hebrew writer exhorted. . .
"(23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (25) not neglecting to meet together, as is THE HABIT OF SOME, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." ( Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV)

Gathering together on a regular basis provides the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged. Just as it appears to have happened during the first century, some have developed the same HABIT of not assembling today, even when there is no fear of persecution. Still, whether it is this HABIT or any other HABIT, what message is being shouted out to the world?

The Greek word translated "HABIT" is "ethos" and refers to a custom, habit, or manner. [source: W.E. Vines' Expository Dictionary of N. T. Words] What do the things we customarily, or habitually involve ourselves in say is important to us?

In the English language we have a word that comes directly from this Greek word. In fact, the English letters correlate exactly with those of the Greek. The English word is "ethos", which is defined as "distinguishing character, tone, or guiding beliefs." [source: Merriam Webster's Dictionary] What do our HABITS convey regarding our character? What may others sees as setting the tone for our life? What do our HABITS tell the world are the "guiding beliefs" for day-to-day living? May those around us clearly see a consistency in what we verbally profess and what our actions declare; all of that being inline with our faith in God and the surrender of our life to His Will.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A GOD GLORIFYING ETHOS FOR LIFE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Consistency