We all hear people telling us, whether in church or at home, to live in a way that is separate from the world. But how do we make sure that is happening in our lives? Let me begin by asking a simple question: What habits do you keep that point you toward God?

In other words, what things do you do each day that glorify God? Do you:

• Read your Bible every morning or night?
• Pray throughout the day?
• Spend time in nature?

Godly habits don’t have to be complex; they will typically align with your goals for your life. Maybe you get up early to go to the gym, so get up a little earlier to read your Bible.

If we want to faithfully follow Jesus, we need to pay careful attention to our habits. 

Oftentimes, we see habits as big things in our lives that point us in the direction that we want our lives to take. And while that is true, a habit is something that becomes automatic over time after doing it so many times.

How many things have you done today while your mind was somewhere else? Did you get dressed? Tie your shoes? Open your phone? Drive your car? Walk through a messy room without tripping? Lock your door on your way out?

If you were to keep track of these things, you would be amazed at how many things you do without even thinking about it. Habits take control of our lives, and that’s what gives them power. That is why we need to take the time to notice them occasionally. Are they pointing us toward God or ourselves?

James Clear, author of the book "Atomic Habits," explains the compounding power of habits:

Most people enjoy seeing results from their efforts and it’s natural to want progress quickly. When change feels slow or less visible than expected, motivation can be hard to sustain. This is one reason many New Year’s resolutions might fade after the first few months.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

For example, someone may start working toward fitness goals but feel discouraged if they don’t notice immediate changes in weight or strength. In response, many turn to weight‑loss medications or programs that promise comparable results with fewer perceived demands. These products often appeal to the desire for faster, more convenient solutions

Short-term habits stem from our inability to stick to them long-term. These habits are typically bad and are built on our need to be gratified right away. That’s why they are so much harder to break. If we only look at short-term outcomes to measure our success, we’ll become discouraged very quickly.

Spiritual health and growth are directly linked to your spiritual habits.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}Sticking to good habits and breaking the bad ones requires patience and reliance on God. 

We’ve all been taught that if we want to achieve something, we need to set goals for ourselves. While this is true, how many goals have you set out to complete that have fallen short? Why did you fall short? The short explanation for this is that your habits likely undermine your goals. Goals get us nowhere without good habits to back them up.

So, we know habits are important, but how do we build habits that draw us closer to God? And break the ones that pull us away? Scripture reminds us that transformation happens little by little.

Building habits is simply choosing the right path over and over again.
Here are four steps to help you build lasting, godly habits:

1. Reflect on What Has and Has Not Worked for You in the Past

Before starting something new, it can be beneficial to pause and look back. 

• When were you most consistent in reading Scripture, praying or seeking spiritual growth?
• What routines or times of day helped you succeed?
• What distractions or patterns pulled you off track?

Reflecting honestly can help you create habits that fit how God designed you, your personality and season of life.

2. Make a Plan Based on What You Have Learned

Good intentions become real habits through intentional, thoughtful planning. 
This could mean:

• Setting out your Bible the night before.
• Choosing a consistent prayer time.
• Using a reading plan.
• Adding one godly habit instead of five at once.

A clear plan makes it easier to follow through, especially on the days when motivation is low.

3. Carry Out the Plan and Check Your Progress

Start small, be consistent and give yourself grace. Habits build through repetition, not perfection.

After a week or two, pause and ask:

• Is this helping me grow?
• Do I feel more spiritually grounded?
• Is this routine realistic for my everyday life?
• Where do I need to make changes?

Assessment keeps your habit life intentional.

4. Make Changes as Needed

Life is unpredictable and shifts. Your habits may need to shift with it. Adjusting is not failure; it’s compensating for change.

You can:

• Move your quiet time to a better hour.
• Shorten your plan (five minutes is better than not at all).
• Add tools that support you: reminders, devotionals and accountability.

The goal here is not to follow a plan perfectly; it is to build rhythms in your life that continually draw you closer to God.

As we work to build godly habits, remember this: you are not doing it alone. God is not standing over you with a checklist — He is walking by your side.

Habits develop slowly. Sometimes you’ll feel strong and motivated, while other times you will stumble. That is okay, and normal. What matters most is that you keep turning your eyes back to God. Every intentional choice becomes a seed He can grow.

So, as you go throughout your week, pick one small thing to work on. One habit you want to implement. Something that will draw you closer to God. Trust that He will multiply what you offer Him and use it in ways you may not believe.

Godly habits don’t just change your schedule; they change your spirit and develop your character to reflect Him even more, one habit at a time.