The Value Of Good Habits
“It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them” (Benjamin Franklin). However, we all have poor habits. Good habits can be even more effective than the use of reason to prevent bad habits: “Habits work more constantly and with greater force than reason, which, when we have most need of it, is seldom fairly consulted, and more rarely obeyed” (John Locke). We do well to make our habits good ones – ones we can display in eternity without regret.
How do we break bad habits, then? Pray, get help from others, and realize that “we all make many mistakes” (so setbacks are taken in stride rather than viewed as devastating failure leading to hopelessness). We also cultivate good habits to replace the bad ones and don’t think of how we can enjoy an evil habit (Rom 13:14, LB). Instead, we choose to not even do small things that feed the sinful nature (Rom 6:12, Message). This is why Thomas a Kempis said, “If you do not shun small defects, bit by bit you will fall into greater ones.”
By the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are able to develop good habits and Christ-like character (Rom 8:4-14, 26-29). “Character is the sum and expression of all preceding habit” (G. B. Cheever). Let us have good habits.
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.