As a busy grad student, I really struggle with time management! Too often, I find myself viewing my time with God as just another thing on my list of things to do. I take my faith for granted and allow it to go on autopilot without actually putting thought or effort into it. Help me out!
What things are you doing right now to prevent your faith from going on autopilot?
What things do you want to incorporate that could help?
Hi @Michaela,
Thank you for this very thought-provoking question! I want to hear your extended reflections!!
What comes to mind for me is a caring friend asking genuine questions about my faith.
It’s interesting, but being in ministry can sometimes lead to people thinking (or assuming) that I have it all together. Or, perhaps, being intimidated to ask questions. I have to lean into being vulnerable to break through.
When someone asks me how things are going with God, it opens me up to consider where I am on auto-pilot, where I am ignoring God, and where I am learning to obey.
The other small habit is to pause before reading the Scriptures. It’s a short, simple prayer: “God, help me to meet you as I read your word. Open my heart to experience your love. Give me the desire to respond to what you show me.” The words aren’t always like this, but the basic intention is the key thing.
I look forward to learning from others so we can help each other get un-stuck and keep growing together.
Thank you @Michaela for this question. I have found that filtering thoughts and emotional reactions through the critera laid out in Philippians 4:8 can be a helpful tool, one that I’m still learning to apply consistently.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
When I catch myself feeling anxious, sad or fearful, asking questions like - am I being led by assumptions? Is this something that aligns with God’s purposes and character? Am I being fair? Does it a set a good example? and other such questions have helped me put brakes on negative thoughts. It gives an opportunity to confess my heart before God in prayer.
Earlier in my walk, I found myself relying more on God’s grace than on discipline. That was the autopilot mode. But over the years I have learnt that spiritual growth requires us to rely on both grace and discipline simultaneously.