05/16/2026
Creating a godly habit or just hanging out with the pig?
Sometimes we create our habits, and sometimes other things create our habits. A habit is a repeated or automatic behavior that is usually created by a cue or trigger, which motivates us into a routine or habit, which is then concluded by a reward. A good habit is going to church. The trigger is that your alarm goes off on Sunday morning. The habit is getting everyone ready to participate in a worship service. The reward is getting to see Sarah poke fun at Aaron on stage during the Q and A.
When we moved to our new farm, our pig Gertrude moved with us. Which meant that we changed all her habits and dwelling places as well. Even though I had a large shed to sleep in she refused to go into it. It was not where she had lived for the past seven years. She also wasn't sure where to get her food. I would put it in the shed but she wouldn't go into the shed so she wasn't eating.
Who ever heard of a pig not eating.
One morning, Gertrude showed up at the front door. I thought it was cute so I threw her out some food. The next morning, Gertrude was at the front door. Not many people living in my house are friendly in the morning so it is nice to see someone who is excited to see me in the morning so I threw her more food (I know my life is sad...). In no time short Gertrude and I developed a habit.
One day I realized that I did not train Gertrude, she had trained me. I really wanted her to eat in her shed. But she had trained me with her pig smile, and warm presence, (I know we are talking about a pig) to feed her off the front porch. It was easy and I didn't have to leave the house.
Today I wonder how many habits we have that we created and should be evaluated and how many habits we have that we did not create but something or someone created them for us. Mothers who want their children to sleep in the crib but the moment the child starts to cry they put them into bed beside them. Fathers who want a relationship with their children but the moment a buddy calls and wants to play Halo with them they leave the ball and glove in the garage and grab a game controller. Marriages that want to thrive and be caring, but never set aside time for a date night and one another.
Today I invite you to take a moment and evaluate your habits. Some are good and some might need to be eradicated. Some are harmless, like a pig showing up at your front door every morning. Some habits drain you of energy and time that should be going towards a more godly direction. Here is a list of seven Biblical habits you could work towards.
1. Daily Bible reading
2. Daily Prayer
3. Spending quality time with your family
4. Weekly church attendance
5. Praying before every meal
6. Talking each week, about Jesus, with someone who does not go to church
7. Testing a friend and asking them how you can pray for them
May your habits always reflect your priorities.
