What Will You Look Like in 5 Years?

Greetings to all! It’s great to have you here. Today, I’d like to kick things off with a question. Are you ready? Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been a part of this community, welcome. Let’s take a moment to consider where we see ourselves five years from now. It’s a bit of an unusual question for a Sunday, but think about it. What do you envision your life looking like in 2028? Personally, it’s hard to believe, but I’ll be turning 52. Time truly flies. And speaking of age, some of you might have thought I was already 52! But that’s alright, no worries. So, the question remains: What will our lives look like spiritually, financially, physically, and relationally? These questions can reveal much about the paths we’re on. Often, we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to project ourselves into the future. We’ll explore this idea more in the coming weeks.

Automatic Living – The Power of Habits

Life can become an automatic routine, and I have a humorous story to illustrate this. Recently, Pam, our church administrator mentioned a new LED sign, but it had been up for three years! This story highlights how we can slip into a rhythm of doing things automatically. This automatic mode affects various aspects of our lives. Hence, I’m excited to introduce a new series: “Patterns.” Over the next three weeks, we’ll delve into cultivating godly habits, which play a pivotal role in our lives. Often, we carry out actions on autopilot, without considering their long-term impact. Let’s tap into Romans 12:2, where the title of our series originates. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Here, we find the essence of cultivating purposeful habits.

Unveiling the Importance of Identity and Intention

Understanding “who” we are before focusing on “what” we do forms the foundation of our journey. It’s all about identity and intentionality. Let’s pause for a moment and remind ourselves of the truth—God’s perspective of us. In 1 Peter 2:9, we’re reminded of our chosenness, a holy people and instruments of God’s work. This truth should guide our actions and decisions. Instead of reinforcing negative behaviors with wrong beliefs, we can choose to reinforce our identity in Christ. We don’t have to settle for lies that hinder our progress. By focusing on who God says we are, we create space for transformation through the Holy Spirit.

Harnessing the Power of Small Choices

Every action we take is a vote for the type of person we desire to become. It’s a concept that aligns with a simple yet profound principle: the aggregation of marginal gains. This principle suggests that improving each aspect of our lives by just one percent can lead to substantial transformations. Asking ourselves “What would a great (fill in the blank) do?” can guide us toward making better choices. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us, and we’re not alone in our journey. By adopting this mindset, we can achieve significant progress over time.

Inspiring Transformation Through Habits

Let’s wrap up with an inspiring story of the British cycling team. Once a mediocre team, their adoption of the aggregation of marginal gains led them to astounding success. Their small, intentional improvements, even in unconventional areas, resulted in victories beyond their wildest dreams. This story resonates with the idea that habits are the building blocks of transformation. As we cultivate positive habits, we’re better equipped to fulfill our purpose, serve God, and experience a life rich and satisfying in all aspects—spirit, soul, and body.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the journey of building powerful habits involves understanding our identity, making intentional choices, and committing to continuous improvement. By focusing on who God says we are and making small, consistent changes, we can shape our lives in alignment with our God-given purpose. Over the next two weeks, we’ll dive deeper into specific areas of cultivating godly habits. Remember, your future is not just a product of time—it’s shaped by your choices and the habits you cultivate along the way.