A MATTER OF CUSTOM

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and went there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for the read.

Luke 4:14-16

Custom is second nature and no less powerful

Michel de Montaigne.

      Man is a creature of habit or custom.

      Let us define the word custom:

-          A tradition: something people always do in a particular way

-          A habit/the way somebody usually or routinely behaves in a certain situation.

-          A law: a traditional practice so long established that it has become a force of law.

-          The norm, routine pattern or way of ritual.

*It is important to note that a habit or custom is acquired over a period of time.

     The story of Jephthah and his daughter in Judges 11:30-40 tells a story of a man who made a vow that he regretted greatly. This vow came at a great cost, the price being his daughter. This vow changed the customs of the Israelite people for generations to come.

Customs:

(i)                  May develop consciously/deliberately-Luke 4:14-16

(ii)                May be communal or individual

(iii)               May be developed unconsciously

          You may have a few habits or customs that may have come into your life in any of the three ways above…question is: What shall be said of you? What people say is your custom? Customs must bring impact in your life.

        As a child of God there are customs that you must be identified with. Develop these customs and your life will have definite impact:

1. Prayer and Bible Study: This must a daily practice not just on Sunday mornings. Colossians 4:2, Psalm 119:11
2. Giving: As His child realize that there is no end to the expanse of God’s wealth. No believer should live beyond the poverty line or live to be pitied. When you give, you receive; not just finances but divine ideas, secrets and treasures in His Kingdom, His favour etc. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
3. Productivity: God has loaded you to be needed and to be a blessing. Productivity is the process of downloading heavenly ideas to make impact. To download greatness-Take a risk. Rise.Shine.Be somebody. Productivity hinges on diligence.
4. Relevance: You must be relevant in your generation doing something that people need. Be diligent in your profession, in your calling and in all you put your hand to doing. Proverbs 22:29
5. Excellence: Though you may not be the only person in the field or work that you are involved in, be a cut above the rest. Be unique. Be you. Be the very best. Be excellent. When people see or work with you there should be a ‘label’ on your forehead that says RESULTS GUARANTEED. Philippians 1:9-10
6. Thanksgiving: Don’t lose your ability to give thanks. Thanksgiving in the life of a believer is a strong indicator of faith. Give Him the praise due Him. Psalm 69:30
7. Change: The most permanent thing in your life should be change! You must be willing to challenge the status quo. Let it be known of you that you are a world changer, a history maker and a trail blazer. Acts 17:5-6

     What shall be said of you? What is your custom?

                                                             Pastor.