The Extra Letter

Growing Daily

The Extra Letter

I’ve been typing my wife’s name, Erica, for over 30 years.  At this point, my fingers have memorized it better than my brain.  If I try to type just “Eric,” I instinctively add an “a” on the end.  Habit overrides intention.  The same thing happens when I type the name “Chris.”  After years of devotional writing, my fingers automatically add a “t.” 

Working on a laptop, this isn’t a big deal.  But in our spiritual lives, the stakes are higher.  Most of us genuinely want to be more patient, prayerful, and pure in heart. But desire alone won’t reshape our lives.  We easily default to old patterns — the habits we've built through repetition.

In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul addressed this plainly when he said, “Train yourself to be godly.” Training isn't about wishing: "I wish I knew more Scripture" or "I wish I had a stronger walk with God." It’s about repetition and purpose.

New spiritual reflexes develop only through intentional practice: daily time with God, consistent prayer, honest confession, and forgiveness.  This is often slow and deliberate work, but over time, what once required effort becomes second nature.

Today, consider one area where your intentions haven’t yet become habits.  Don’t just desire change — choose a practical way to train in it.  Invite God to shape your spiritual reflexes, one intentional step at a time. 


- Ron Reid