Habits, like gravity, are a powerful force. Gravity keeps us grounded and stops us from floating off into the dark vastness of space. Gravity keeps planets on course and keeps order in the universe, ensuring things stay in their proper place until they have run their natural course. Likewise, good habits help us stay on track and keep our house in order. Bad practices, like asteroids crushing their way through the Milky Way or rogue satellites crashing down to Earth, disrupt our life, leading us astray and pushing us off course.
Good and bad habits both gain strength through repetition. Practicing good habits transforms them into routine. The more we practice unhealthy habits, the greater disruption they exercise in our life. The ‘gravitational pull’ of our good habits increases the more engrained they become in us over time. However, unpleasant practices, like their good counterparts, also exert a great pull on us. Once a bad habit has us within its gravitational force, it is reluctant to let go, preferring to do whatever is necessary to keep us in orbit, until we spiral out of control.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28 (ESV)
Good habits that aid spiritual growth include reading the Bible, memorizing Scripture, consistent prayer, regular worship, playing an active part in your home church, helping others especially the poor and hungry, mentoring individuals in their daily walk, fasting routinely, meditating on God’s work in your life, and keeping our mind, heart, and soul healthy through eating right, regular exercise, and staying active.
Breaking the chains of bad habits like addiction, negative image reinforcement, and self-debasement or overcoming past abuse, oppression, or enslavement doesn’t come easy. Truthfully, I’ve found that only through Christ can I rise above the forces that seek to keep me under their control and don’t mind destroying me in the process. Simply put, I found I needed Jesus to overcome unhealthy habits. Otherwise, it seems impossible.
But isn’t that great news? You and I don’t have to go it alone. Created in His image, we have a God who loves us and walks with us through the valleys and stands by us on the mountaintops. We are not alone.
How cool is that?
Go in peace and may your week be filled with abundant blessings.
The Devotional Guy™ 