We all have them. Webster defines “habit” as “a thing done often…; act that is acquired and has become automatic.” What habits have you acquired? Habits may be divided into three basic categories: (1) Detrimental, (2) Beneficial and (3) Inconsequential.
Examples in the first group would include profanity (Ephesians 4:29), viewing pornography (Romans 1:24; Matthew 5:27-28) and smoking (1 Corinthians 3:17; 6:19). Exercise (1 Timothy 4:8), prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and worship (John 4:23) are all worthwhile habits. An example for the third division would be which shoe one puts on first – right or left.
Human betterment requires stripping away bad habits and increasing good ones. Jesus declared: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). For true disciples, following Jesus must be automatic and daily, not just some days (e.g., a one hour on Sunday exercise).
The letter to the Hebrews addresses a habit that was directly opposite of what it ought to have been. Some church members made it a habit of choosing to be absent when the church gathered (Hebrews 10:25). Some folks today have this same shameful habit. The Bereans were praised for being daily students of the Bible (Acts 17:11). Is that your habit?
Bad habits are notoriously defended by countless excuses. Blame is transferred to genetics, parents, environment, peer pressure, stress, ad infinitum. However, God has said each one shall be judged for “the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Let’s stop making excuses and determine to quit the bad habits and make godliness our habitual lifestyle. Come be with people who want to see you succeed; visit the church of Christ in your community.
