Living Fruitfully – Spiritual Habits from the Life of Jim Elliot
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1)
Paul himself wrote these words – and not without reason it is said: words instruct, but examples inspire. Today we take a look at some spiritual habits of a man of God, habits that we too can live out in order to work more fruitfully and productively to the glory of the LORD.
A Life of Dedication: Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot became known as a Christian missionary who died a martyr at only 29 years of age while attempting to bring the gospel to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. But his life even before his death was marked by deep dedication, discipline, and purposefulness – and from this we too can learn today.
1. Using Free Moments Spiritually
Jim lived with the awareness that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 7:29:
“The time is short.”
This attitude was also reflected in his daily life. He made a habit of making good use of even brief free moments – such as when waiting. He kept a prayer list with names of people for whom he regularly prayed. When he lacked time in the morning, he would pray on the way to the breakfast room or at noon in the cafeteria line [1].
He also deliberately incorporated memorizing Bible verses into his daily routine – always carrying small cards with Bible verses.
We too encounter small windows of time every day – while waiting for the bus, between appointments, or simply in between. The question is: do we squander this time – or do we use it for something meaningful?
2. Discovering New Truths in the Word
Jim Elliot was – like virtually all men of God – a man of the Word. His biography states:
“Jim set his alarm each evening so that he had time the next morning for prayer and Bible study.” [2]
Concerning the importance of Bible reading, Jim himself writes:
“We never get up in the morning without washing our face, yet we often neglect the inner cleansing through the Word of the Lord.” [2]
But his Bible reading was not mere routine. He sought new truths each time. For this purpose he later acquired a plain Bible without footnotes, commentaries, or markings, so that the Spirit could show him the words he needed in that moment – not his own previous markings.
He also wrote brief commentaries on his Bible readings. He called these pages:
“Museums of pressed flowers, gathered with Him where He makes me ‘to lie down in green pastures.’” [3]
Memorization was also important to him. He even wrote to his sister Jane:
“Memorize Bible passages on the streetcar, redeem the time! It is precious because it passes so quickly.” [2]
Jim lived what he advised others – with consistency and dedication.
3. Physical Discipline
Jim was not only spiritually but also physically disciplined. In his first year of study at Wheaton College he joined the wrestling team, because he believed it would help make him a true “soldier of Christ.” He wrote:
“I believe that when one is physically fit, the entire physical development is promoted, including thinking.” [4]
He was right: according to an article by Harvard Health Publishing (2014), regular physical activity can improve memory and thinking ability, including through better sleep [5].
But of course, not only physical activity is important for health, but also recovery through sleep. On this Jim writes to his mother:
“Your advice, Mother, that I should get enough sleep I find very practical. Not only for the sake of performance and relaxation, but also for receptivity to spiritual things one must be rested – otherwise no blessing rests on our work.” [6]
4. Spiritual Pauses in Daily Life – the Midday Devotion
During his studies at Wheaton, Jim appears at some point to have begun taking a little time at midday to come to rest and have fellowship with the LORD. In a letter to his family he describes it this way:
“In recent weeks I have been spending much time in the Psalms at noon – and incidentally I would highly recommend to you as well that you begin taking a few minutes at noon for being with your heavenly Beloved […].” [7]
He recommended the same to another person as well – which shows how important it was to him. This deliberate rest is essential for maintaining fellowship with the LORD throughout the day. On the importance of stillness Jim writes:
“I think the devil has made his three chief elements a monopoly: noise, hurry, crowds. If he can keep us listening constantly to radio, gossip, conversation, or even sermons, he is glad. But he does not want silence. […] Satan well knows the power of silence. The voice of God, though persistent, is quiet…” [6]
Conclusion
Jim Elliot’s life teaches us: discipline in small things makes the difference – whether in the use of free moments, in Bible study, or in the care of one’s own body.
Whoever wishes to live productively for God can find valuable inspiration here.
The book can be here read for free online
Sources:
[1] Elliot, E. (ed.). (2003). Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot. CLV, p. 52
[2] Ibid., p. 32
[3] Ibid., p. 51
[4] Ibid., p. 38
[5] Harvard Health Publishing. (2014, February). Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills
[6] Elliot, E. (ed.). (2003). Shadow of the Almighty, p. 91
[7] Ibid., p. 79