When I was in college I used to spend a lot of time thumbing through The Far Side comic strip collections. I know, I know…I should have been studying, but Gary Larson’s warped sense of humor by using pictures and words seemed to satisfy my appetite for odd humor. If you have ever observed his work, you know what I am talking about. A few days ago, one of his comic strips came to mind (pictured to the left) while I was entering a public bathroom. Upon walking into the men’s restroom (I need to state the obvious for those who may have read an earlier post), an older gentleman was just exiting a stall and walked straight to the exit. For a moment, I stopped and thought (to myself, of course), “Oh no he did not!” Not even a stop at the sink to rinse his hands with water or just maybe an attempt to use a paper towel for some sense of cleanliness. The thing that made it worse was that he was older, probably in his 70′s. I would think by this time in his life he would understand the importance of washing your hands after you use the bathroom. I’m not even talking about “What about Bob?” sanitary habits, but just the basic ones.
Some people look at habits as a bad thing, but I believe habits (some prefer the word disciplines) can also be a good thing. Although washing your hands takes a little extra time, it has benefits for you as well as for others and ultimately prevents the spreading of germs. Developing habits in our faith is also important for our spiritual health as well as for the spiritual health of others. If you are a father, your spiritual health affects your wife and children. If you are an employee, your spiritual health will affect your work ethic. If you are a friend to someone, your spiritual health will affect your example before others. So what are some good, spiritual habits to develop? Disciplines such as reading your Bible consistently, seeking God through prayer and meditation, fellowship with other believers, and loving/serving others. I’m sure you can think of others to add to the list. Don’t get out of sorts with me and say, “You are just creating a list of rules. Christians have freedom in Christ and from a list of do’s and don’ts.” Remember what Paul said in Philippians 3: “I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him.” Go ahead…develop some spiritual habits
…and wash your hands after you use the bathroom.
