June 13 – Heavenly Habits of Highly Devoted People

“Everybody” is doing it these days . . . coming up with their corporate, congregational, conditioning “habits” itinerary. For an interesting departure today, let us take a look at Cor Unum’s list of

Nine Habits for the Monastery-Minded!

Let These Nine New Habits Help YOU Acquire the Habit You’ve Been Looking For!

In our case, the “habit” of godliness is the only one we will ever wear . . . and it will fit us like a glove! The only monastery we will ever inhabit is the one to which our hearts flee . . . the sanctuary of God and the cloister of our devotion.

The way for us is paved, not with successes but obediences, and we are not traveling toward accomplishment but to our destiny. Here is the list our CEO (Christ, Ever Omnipotent) “posted” about two thousand years ago:

1. Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
9. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

We shall take a monastic look at these; that is to say, we will see how we may devote ourselves to them and try to discover how we can protect our souls from departure.

As with all things, whether twenty-six habits of the perfect life (Romans 12,) or four habits for personal peace and perseverance (Philippians 4,) or ten habits for heavenly hearts and homes (Colossians 3,) we are entering a forty-day “fast” track toward serenity, security, and success, which we shall define as . . . Christlikeness.


"Practice, Practice, Practice"
photo by Kerry