In “Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration,” Stephen Covey brings to life the principles outlined in his best-selling book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” through a collection of real-life stories that demonstrate the transformative power of these habits. As a Christian non-fiction author, you can use these stories and principles to inspire and guide your readers on their spiritual journey, helping them make meaningful changes in their lives. Here are three primary takeaways to consider incorporating into your writing, each supported by biblical passages :
Takeaway #1: Develop a strong character rooted in your faith
Covey’s 7 Habits are all about developing a strong character that enables individuals to navigate life with integrity, courage, and wisdom. As a Christian non-fiction author, you can help your readers build a character that is firmly rooted in their faith, which will, in turn, empower them to make wise decisions and live in alignment with God’s will.
Biblical support:
- Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
- Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.”
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Takeaway #2: Embrace the power of interdependence in your spiritual life
Covey’s 7 Habits encourage individuals to embrace the power of interdependence, recognizing that they can achieve more and become more effective when they work together with others. In the context of Christian non-fiction, you can encourage your readers to embrace interdependence by engaging with their church community, supporting one another in their faith journey, and recognizing that their relationship with God is interconnected with their relationships with others.
Biblical support:
- Romans 12:4-5: “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Takeaway #3: Cultivate a spirit of continuous growth and renewal in your faith
Covey’s final habit, “Sharpen the Saw,” encourages individuals to maintain a balanced program of continuous self-renewal in the four areas of their life: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual. As a Christian non-fiction author, you can encourage your readers to engage in continuous spiritual growth and renewal by dedicating time to prayer, studying God’s Word, and actively seeking ways to grow closer to God.
Biblical support:
- Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.“
- Ephesians 4:22-24: “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
By incorporating these three primary takeaways from “Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration” into your writing, you can emotionally impact your readers and inspire them to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Through developing a strong character rooted in faith, embracing the power of interdependence, and cultivating a spirit of continuous growth and renewal, your readers will be better equipped to face life’s challenges and grow in their relationship with God.
Remember to support your message with relevant biblical passages. This will give your writing a solid foundation and connect the principles you’re teaching and the teachings of Jesus Christ. By doing so, you’ll be able to offer your readers the guidance and inspiration they need to live their lives with purpose, passion, and a deep connection to their faith.
