Developing Holy Habits: Lessons from the Terrible Twos

Based on Acts 2:42-47 and our summer sermon series "Outgrowing the Terrible Twos"

The second year of a child's life is nothing short of remarkable. Toddlers transform from babbling babies into walking, talking little humans who can express their needs and interact with their world. But perhaps most importantly, they begin developing lifelong habits that will serve their health and well-being for years to come.

Think about that first toothbrush experience. To a two-year-old, that minty toothpaste looks an awful lot like candy, leading to more licking than brushing! Yet through constant reinforcement and patient practice, what begins as a fun experience gradually becomes a daily routine, and finally transforms into a habit that protects their health for life.

The Early Church's Spiritual Rhythms

The early believers described in Acts 2:42-47 understood something profound about developing healthy spiritual habits. Following Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostles and believers, the early church established a rhythm of life that sustained their faith and fostered growth.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers. They spent time together in the temple daily, shared meals with glad and generous hearts, and cared for one another's needs. These weren't random activities—they were intentional spiritual disciplines that kept their relationship with Jesus alive and their souls filled with spiritual vitality.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, called these practices "means of grace"—particular habits used throughout the church's history that consistently bring deeper faith and a fuller experience of God.

Essential Spiritual Disciplines

Just as physical relationships require intentional investment to remain strong, our relationship with God needs regular spiritual nourishment. Here are several key disciplines Wesley identified:

Scripture Reading involves more than consuming words like a novel. It requires reflection and rumination, much like reading poetry. We read not just for information, but for transformation, allowing God's word to speak to our hearts and circumstances.

Devotional Reading can help when Scripture alone doesn't seem to connect with us. Authors like Max Lucado and Philip Yancey can serve as spiritual binoculars, helping bring God's word into clearer focus for our daily lives.

Prayer and Meditation go beyond sharing our wish lists with God. Prayer is about being in the presence of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. It includes both talking to God and listening in quiet meditation, allowing our hearts to settle and our spirits to receive God's guidance through holy intuition.

Worship is what we do with God together, experiencing the Holy Spirit's movement not just individually but collectively. Through prayers, praise, Scripture, proclamation, and generous giving, we encounter God in community and are sent forth as lights of grace in the world.

Acts of Mercy demonstrate that authentic faith encompasses both personal and social holiness. When we serve others, visit the lonely, and share with those in need, we become vessels that God fills with the Holy Spirit, experiencing the joy of sharing the Gospel through our actions.

The Challenge of Building Habits

Like any worthwhile habit, spiritual disciplines are difficult to establish. Paul used the analogy of athletic training, recognizing that what appears effortless during competition is actually won through hard work and consistent practice. Athletes experience slumps but continue honing their skills to improve.

Here's where the potty training analogy becomes both humorous and profound. That milestone begins with many failed attempts, followed by that first successful moment that brings such joy and hope to parents. But it's just the beginning of a long, messy process filled with accidents, backsliding, and trips to the washing machine. Yet parents don't give up—they keep encouraging and coaching until the child masters this essential life skill.

Starting Your Spiritual Journey

God calls us to develop healthy spiritual habits, and the process mirrors a toddler's learning experience. Start with reasonable goals—if you're not reading Scripture now, don't commit to four times daily. Begin with once a week, then perhaps Monday, Wednesday, Friday, then daily. If you forget or fail, don't give up. Start again.

The early church's example in Acts 2 reminds us that spiritual vitality comes through consistent, intentional practices. Like that determined two-year-old learning to brush their teeth or use the potty, we can develop holy habits that will nourish our souls and strengthen our relationship with God.

After all, if a two-year-old can do it, why can't we?