Rev. Judith Cooke
As much as I don’t like admitting it, my life has its share of bad habits. I drink more tea than is reasonable. I leave dirty dishes in the living room. I sneak food under the table to Humphrey. For years, I have beat myself up over my less than stellar traits, criticizing myself as a caffeine-addicted, slob-like overworker (feeding the dog may be a bad habit, but I’m okay with it). When we label ourselves, it is no wonder we do not change. After all, a “caffeine-addicted slob” by definition will drink a lot of tea and leave the mug on the coffee table. Our behavior comes out of our identity. Who we see ourselves as determines how we behave. If we are to change our habits, we need to change how we think about who we are.
So, who do you think you are? What behaviors have become so ingrained that they are now part of your identity? Which of these behaviors do you appreciate? Which do you want to eliminate?
When God created the world, humanity was made in the image of God. While only God can create out of nothing, we still have creative power. We can make artwork, construct cities, create harmony or disruption. This means that you can also shape your sense of self. Who do you truly want to be? Who is God calling you to be? Once you identify this and trust that it is who you genuinely are, your habits will reflect that person.
God created you as a precious and beloved child, who deserves abundance of life, who is called to live with compassion and care yourself and others. May God’s overwhelming love for you shape your understanding of yourself.
How does God see you?
As a precious beloved child. Wants to give you all good things.
So, who do you think you are? What behaviors have become so ingrained that they are now part of your identity? Which of these behaviors do you appreciate? Which do you want to eliminate?
When God created the world, humanity was made in the image of God. While only God can create out of nothing, we still have creative power. We can make artwork, construct cities, create harmony or disruption. This means that you can also shape your sense of self. Who do you truly want to be? Who is God calling you to be? Once you identify this and trust that it is who you genuinely are, your habits will reflect that person.
God created you as a precious and beloved child, who deserves abundance of life, who is called to live with compassion and care yourself and others. May God’s overwhelming love for you shape your understanding of yourself.
How does God see you?
As a precious beloved child. Wants to give you all good things.