Keeping a strong spiritual life in this modern age is a real challenge these days, with so much temptation and distractions around us.
Most people thing it’s just a matter of being regular with prayers, but it’s actually more profound than that.
It’s about cultivating habits that draw us closer to God, even amidst our busy, technology-filled lives.
As a Christian, I learned that maintaining a strong spiritual life goes beyond just Sunday service. It’s about how you live out your faith daily, too.
But how do you figure out if you’re living a spiritually rich life in this digital age?
Well, there are certain habits that can help you recognize this and in this article, I’m going to share 9 of them with you.
1) They’re intentional with their time
For modern Christians, time is a precious commodity. That’s why they’re intentional about carving out moments for reflection, prayer, and studying the Word of God.
This doesn’t mean they’re constantly immersed in religious activities or that their schedules are rigid.
It simply means they prioritize their relationship with God amidst their daily routines and responsibilities.
They understand the value of a quiet moment spent in prayer or the wisdom gleaned from a Bible passage read with concentration.
For instance, I’ve always hated waking up early. But I do it because it gives me an extra hour to spend on praying and reflecting on the messages in my daily devotional.
It has become a non-negotiable habit for me because I like starting my day with the peace and goodwill that comes with prayer.
If you find yourself consistently making time for spiritual growth despite the pulls of modern life, you’re on the right track.
This brings me to the next point…
2) They maintain a regular prayer life
Imagine you’re in a relationship where you rarely communicate with your partner. How long do you think that relationship would last?
Modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life understand that prayer is the lifeline of their relationship with God.
It’s not just about asking for blessings or help in times of need. Prayer is also about expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and simply spending time in God’s presence.
They see prayer not as a duty, but as a chance to connect with God on a deeper level.
How often do you communicate with God? Does your prayer life reflect the depth of your relationship with Him?
3) They practice gratitude regularly
The power of gratitude is a fundamental concept in psychology that’s been linked to increased happiness, improved relationships, and even better physical health.
Modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life have this habit of expressing gratitude regularly. And I’m not just talking about saying grace before meals.
They take time to reflect on their blessings—both big and small—and express their thankfulness to God.
This simple act of acknowledging the good in your life can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. It also nurtures your spiritual life by fostering a deeper connection with the Divine.
4) They embrace difficulties as opportunities
Let’s consider the flip side of gratitude for a moment.
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going well, but what about when life throws curveballs?
Interestingly, modern Christians with a strong spiritual life do something counter-intuitive: they embrace difficulties as opportunities. In fact, they even manage to feel grateful for trials.
This isn’t about being masochistic or pretending to enjoy hardships.
Rather, it’s an understanding that trials can serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and transformation.
These individuals see challenges as invitations to lean more into their faith, to pray more fervently, and to exercise patience and resilience.
By adopting this perspective, they transform their struggles into spiritual stepping stones, further enriching their relationship with God.
5) They live out their faith
Modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life don’t just talk about their faith. They live it out, consciously embodying the principles they believe in. Simply put, they walk the talk.
This living out of faith takes many forms such as:
- Showing kindness to others
- Practicing forgiveness
- Standing up for justice
- Being generous with time and resources
- Staying true to their values even when it’s challenging
It’s these daily acts of faith that infuse life with purpose and deepen their spiritual connection.
6) They’re open to growth and learning
Here’s something else I’ve noticed about modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life: they’re lifelong learners.
They understand that spiritual growth isn’t a destination but a journey.
Let’s be honest, none of us have all the answers. We’re all works in progress.
These individuals don’t claim to know everything about their faith. Instead, they remain open to learning new perspectives, questioning their beliefs, and growing deeper in their understanding of God.
In essence, they see every day as an opportunity to learn more about God, about themselves, and about how they can better live out their faith.
7) They’re active in their faith community
A lot of Christians see faith as a matter of showing up for Sunday service and then disappearing for the rest of the week.
In contrast, modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life get active in their faith community. They participate in fellowship, share experiences, and learn from one another. Exactly how the early churches did it.
It’s about contributing to the growth of others and allowing them to do the same for you.
The interactions, shared prayers, and mutual encouragement within a faith community play a significant role in nurturing one’s spiritual life.
So, how active are you in your faith community?
8) They find joy in service
This is closely connected to my point above. With their strong sense of community, modern Christians find a lot of joy in service.
There was a time when I volunteered at a local food bank. What struck me was the joy in the eyes of other volunteers, despite the hard work and long hours.
It’s not about gaining recognition or feeling morally superior. They serve because they find genuine fulfillment in helping others and reflecting God’s love through their actions.
They understand that service is an act of worship, a tangible way to express their faith and gratitude to God.
Seeing the impact of their service on others and experiencing the joy it brings, they are further drawn into a deeper spiritual life.
9) They prioritize their relationship with God
And finally, the most vital habit of all.
Modern Christians who maintain a strong spiritual life prioritize their relationship with God above everything else.
They understand that their faith isn’t just about following certain rituals or adhering to religious rules. At its core, it’s about a personal relationship with God.
In the middle of all the distractions out there today, being able to do this is truly a sign of commitment. No matter how busy they are, they make time for God. They seek His presence in their lives and strive to align their thoughts and actions with His teachings.
This prioritization serves as the foundation for all the other habits we’ve discussed, guiding them in their spiritual journey.
In essence, a strong spiritual life is rooted in this deep, personal connection with God.
Where does your spiritual journey lead you?
As we wrap this up, I’d like to emphasize that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique.
What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find practices that resonate with you and help you grow closer to God.
To help you on this journey, consider these additional practices:
- Engaging in regular faith-related reading
- Practicing mindfulness and presence in everyday activities
- Setting spiritual goals and tracking your progress
Remember, maintaining a strong spiritual life is not about perfection, but about persistence and progress.
As you reflect on these habits, ask yourself: What steps can I take today to nurture my spiritual life?
In the end, it’s your personal relationship with God that matters most. So take a moment to pause, reflect, and decide on your next step towards a deeper spiritual life.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
