Dear Christ Church,
As we come to the end of 2023, this is a time people often take stock of our identity. Have we ended the year becoming more aligned with our truest self? And if not, what pivots might we make in 2024?
There is a connection between the person we want to become and our habits. James Clear writes in Atomic Habits “Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.” Our daily habits both form and confirm our identity. For instance, if you think of yourself as a lifelong learner, you’re likely to have a habit of book reading that reinforces this identity.
With this principle in mind, I want to invite you to live 2024 more deeply in the identity of “One who listens to God.” A core identity for the people of God is that we keep our ears open, we have eyes to see, and we pay attention to how our Heavenly Father speaks to us. This is the identity: One who listens for the voice of God.
And the corresponding practice to this identity: daily Scripture engagement. Through a habit of hearing God’s Word, reading, meditating, and even memorizing portions of Scripture, our identity is being formed and confirmed as someone who listens for the voice of God.
Christ Church, as we enter this new year, consider how you might pick up a fresh habit of daily engagement with Scripture this year.
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Peace,
Matt+