What are some life hacks that you practice?
Here is my honest answer: the most useful changes in my life are rarely clever shortcuts. They are small decisions I can repeat when life gets busy, my feelings change, or nobody is watching.
As a Christian, I want those decisions to be shaped by God’s Word. Here are seven practices worth trying.
1. Give God my attention before I give it to my phone
Jesus said:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33, KJV
Before opening messages or scrolling, I can pause to pray and read a passage of Scripture. Some mornings that may be brief. The point is to begin by listening to God, then carry what I have read into the day.
Try this: Put your Bible where you normally leave your phone overnight. Read first, then ask: What should I obey today?
2. Decide my priorities before other people decide them for me
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12, KJV
A full calendar can hide an empty day. Being available for everything does not mean I have attended to what matters most.
Try this: Write down three things for today: one responsibility you must fulfil, one person you should care for, and one step you have been putting off. Make room for them before the day fills up.
3. Make the right action easier to start
Good intentions often fade at the moment action is needed. Research on implementation intentions has found that plans which specify when and how to act are associated with better progress towards goals. That does not make a plan a guarantee; it makes the next step clearer.
So instead of saying, “I need to pray more,” I might decide, “After breakfast, I will pray for ten minutes.” Instead of “I should check on someone,” I can put their name and a time in my diary.
Try this: Finish the sentence: After I ______, I will ______. Keep the second action small enough to do today.
4. Guard what enters my heart
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23, KJV
What I repeatedly watch, read and dwell on affects what I desire and how I respond. That makes my attention something to steward carefully.
Try this: Notice what leaves you anxious, envious or drawn towards sin. Change one source of input this week, and use the space for something that strengthens your faith.
5. Pause before answering in anger
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1, KJV
The message written while angry is often the message I wish I had waited to send. A pause gives me time to ask whether my words are true, necessary and gracious.
Try this: When a conversation becomes heated, step away briefly if you can. Pray, then return ready to address the issue without attacking the person.
6. Treat rest as a responsibility
Rest does not mean neglecting my duties. It helps me return to them with attention and care. For adults aged 18–60, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least seven hours of sleep and suggests habits such as a regular sleep schedule and turning off electronic devices before bedtime.
Try this: Choose a realistic bedtime and put the phone away 30 minutes beforehand. If sleep remains a regular problem, speak with a healthcare professional.
7. Act on the truth I already know
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22, KJV
I can collect sermons, save advice and make plans indefinitely. Growth begins when I respond: apologise, forgive, give, serve, tell the truth, or do the work before me.
Try this: After reading Scripture or hearing a message, write down one action and when you will take it.
The question is not, How can I fit every good habit into tomorrow? It is, Which one faithful step will I take today?
If one of these practices helped you, share it with someone who may need a simpler way to begin.
Cornelius Bella, The Message Bearer
