Bacon, Eggs and God

Habits

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

How do we identify a habit?

By definition, a habit is an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. And as we all know, habits can be positive or negative.

You have to understand that even inherently good people can become bound by bad habits. Some of us, especially long time Christians, find it hard to admit a habit, because we believe it will make us seem less spiritual. But denial is never the way to deal with any fault or problem.

Bad habits are powerful because they are formed slowly over time and almost always go unnoticed. Usually the person doesn’t even know they formed a habit. Bad habits are like comfortable beds: easy to get into, but hard to get out of. That’s why bad habits are powerful; they start subtly and, over time, they chip away at your willpower. Eventually, you don’t even want to resist anymore, because you believe you can’t break free from the habit.

There are many of you at this very moment thinking to yourself, “Why should I even try to change…I always end up doing the same thing over again.” You don’t have the will to fight, because the habit has broken your spirit.

At first, a bad habit seems harmless. You are lulled into believing that at any time in the early stages you could rid yourself of it. In fact, you actually believe you can get rid of it at anytime. Bad habits occupy a strong foothold and begin advancing little by little; capturing your freedom in small increments. How many marriages have been lost to bad habits? How many families have been divided because of a bad habit? How many jobs lost? How many relationships destroyed? How many minds wasted? How many diseases contracted?

Bad habits develop with subtlety and become addictive. They are powerful and you often cannot break them by yourself. But there is hope!

God has promised that in every situation, with every temptation, he can provide victory.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The promise is positive, certain and valid that a way shall be made for our escape and we shall be able to bear it.

And remember, you might not think that something you are doing is necessarily a bad habit, but if others find it to be offensive, or even annoying, then why create a stumbling block for someone else? Ask God to help you see those things that can hinder your relationships.