After The Work

“That which you do everyday becomes who you are” is a profound quote, when googled, has murky origins. Some attribute the quote as a version of Aristotle, “Virtues are formed in man by his doing the actions”. Ben Franklin had a daily agenda that he used in the formation of daily habits in formation of character. (see below)

Recovery groups discuss taking things “one day at a time”, that is, focusing upon the moment and handling life as it comes each day. It allows one to break up their lives into manageable chunks of 24 hours. Daily habits of prayer, meditation, fellowship, and reading are emphasized in order to shape one from destruction into recovery.

It is a powerful credo. The act is part of our spiritual transformation, along with the work of the Spirit and willingness to change. It calls for surrender, humility, and discipline. It allows one to put themselves in position for growth and change. Developing daily habits are part, not all, of our spiritual growth.

Proverbs 12:1 says “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is foolish.” The scriptures gives us encouragement to a disciplined life, praising those who seek positive daily habits love knowledge. Knowledge is a key ingredient in our spiritual life. When we have knowledge of God and knowledge of self, we are confronted with the the Perfection of God, shining light upon were we are gifted and where we need growth.

Revelation 3:19 “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” indicating that while discipline may not be always pleasurable, it is loving. Lifes ups and downs present trials that can be used for our growth and learning experience. It is opportunity to discover God’s love that pulls us through the darkness. When our hearts are set upon Love and growth, we feel compelled to improve ourselves and to do a loving things for ourselves.

Loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves sounds light and airy teaching, but it is easy to overlook the work that needs to be put into “Love”. ”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” is part of the well know “love” verse in Corinthians. When we consider how difficult patience is under duress, how challenging kindness is in the face of hate, not being envious of others in a “me” culture, and humility in the face of flattery we find that spiritual discipline becomes imperative in order to get through our ups and downs.

If “that which we do everyday becomes a part of who we are” is a reality, then it would be wise to do positive things to improve ourselves. It also cautions us that our negative habits also become a part of who we are. We are not perfect, to be sure, but it is good to consider what we do daily and commit ourselves to do something positive for our spiritual growth every day. Try adding prayer time, or scripture reading. Exercise or find a hobby that fulfills you. Look into reading a book and turning off the tablet. Whatever you do, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can begin today.