According to his usual habit, Paul went to the synagogue. There, during three Sabbaths, he held discussions with the people… (Acts 17:2 GNB).
Some habits programme you positively for success, while some others programme you negatively for failure. For example, a student who stays up late to watch movies is definitely programming himself wrongly. He shouldn’t expect to turn out the same way with another who’s studious at night, and spends his time wisely. The latter will most likely end up an excellent student, while the former ends up average or even obtuse.
Human beings are born with “wild” instincts; they come into the world as babies who are uncultured and untamed. As they grow, their inherent “wildness” makes it easier for them to pick up bad habits faster than good ones. This explains why a child may start telling lies without anyone necessarily teaching him. As he continues in it, it forms his character. Thus the bible says, “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (proverbs 22:6).
Children are to be taught early to imbibe good habits. The older you get, the more difficult it is to adjust your habits. An adult can’t change easily because he already has a lifestyle, and to change it, he’ll have to get a new one. He’ll only have the opportunity of a new lifestyle when he’s born again; that’s when he receives a brand new life and a new Lord over his life.
If you are unhappy over an unwholesome habit, don’t become frustrated; rather, realise that habits are simply repeated actions. If you’d replace that old habit with a good one, you’d get rid of the one you don’t like.
The bible says that sin shall not have dominion over you (Romans 6:14). God’s word is given to us to guide our thoughts, habits, character, and ultimately build our lives. Whatever godly habits you desire to cultivate is possible. Spend more time in God’s word and prayer, and your life will align with his perfect will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word has in it the ability to make me what it talks about.
Jesus Christ is Lord of my life; I refuse to be in bondage to any habit or lifestyle that is contrary to your Word. I have the greater One living in me, and He guides and propels me from within, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Philippians 2:13; Ezekiel 36:27
