Habits for Following Jesus
Following Jesus is more than a belief—it’s a way of life. Cultivating daily habits that draw us closer to Christ is essential for growing in faith and reflecting His love to the world. The Bible provides clear guidance on how to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Here are some key habits that can help us become more like Him.
1. Prayer: Communicating with God
Prayer is essential in following Jesus. The Bible teaches us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), encouraging believers to stay in constant communication with God. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), modeling a life of deep, personal communion with the Father. Making prayer a daily practice helps to align our hearts with God’s will and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Practical Habit:
Set aside dedicated time each day to pray and offer short prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, or intercession throughout your day. Use tools like the YouVersion Bible App to follow prayer plans and find daily encouragement.
2. Reading and Meditating on Scripture
Jesus often quoted Scripture, showing its importance in understanding God’s truth. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Engaging with Scripture daily helps to equip us with wisdom, discernment, and a more profound knowledge of God’s heart. Meditating on the Word allows it to shape our thoughts and actions.
Practical Habit:
Read a chapter of the Bible daily or follow a Bible reading plan. Bible.com offers numerous reading plans tailored to different needs, from studying Jesus’ life to building a deeper prayer life.
3. Obedience: Living According to God’s Commands
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Following Jesus means living out His teachings in every aspect of life. It’s not enough to merely hear or read the Word; we must actively practice what it says (James 1:22). Obedience brings our faith to life and demonstrates our commitment to God.
Practical Habit:
Identify one or two areas where you can be more obedient to God’s Word. Whether in relationships, work, or personal conduct, seek to align your actions with Jesus’ teachings.
4. Serving Others: Reflecting Christ’s Love
Jesus’ life was characterized by compassion and service to others. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). As followers of Christ, we are called to serve others humbly and sacrificially. Acts of service, whether big or small, reflect Jesus’ love and help to bring His kingdom to earth.
Practical Habit:
Look for opportunities to serve others daily. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor, volunteering, or offering encouragement. Read “The Best Way to Serve Your City” to find ideas for serving your community.
5. Fellowship with Other Believers
We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. Jesus established the church as a community of believers to support and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24–25). Gathering together with other Christians helps to strengthen our faith and provides accountability as we grow in Christ.
Practical Habit:
Commit to regularly attending a local church or small group. Engaging with other believers through Bible.com’s online community, Bible study groups, or prayer partnerships is another way to experience fellowship and growth.
6. Worship: Glorifying God in Every Area of Life
Jesus modeled a worship life, consistently glorifying the Father in everything He did. Worship is not just about singing songs at church; it’s a lifestyle of offering ourselves fully to God (Romans 12:1). By acknowledging God’s sovereignty and praising Him, we focus on His greatness and love.
Practical Habit:
Incorporate worship into your daily routine. This could be through music, gratitude, or simply reflecting on God’s goodness. Use this “Worship Playlist” feature to find inspiring songs to help lift your heart in worship.
7. Sharing the Gospel: Being a Witness
Jesus’ final command to His disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). As followers of Christ, we are called to share the Good News with others. Witnessing can take many forms, from verbal sharing to living a life that exemplifies Christ’s love and grace.
Practical Habit:
Look for ways to share your faith naturally in conversations with friends, family, or coworkers. Use the sharing tools on bible.com to send scripture, devotionals, or inspiring messages to others and start faith-based discussions.
Following Jesus is a journey of growth and transformation. By incorporating these habits—prayer, reading Scripture, obedience, service, fellowship, worship, and sharing the Gospel—we can develop a deeper relationship with Christ and become more like Him. Utilizing resources like bible.com can provide daily inspiration, tools, and community support to help us along the way. As we make these habits a part of our daily lives, we will see God’s presence and power manifest in ways that glorify Him and transform the world around us.