Habits
My roommate in college used to tell some pretty lame nun
jokes. Like, what do you call a nun whose clothes are on fire?
(a smoking habit) Yah, some real moaners. Anyway, habits are
something we all have…and I’m not talking about what nuns wear.
Some of our habits are good, some are bad. Sometimes, we are
learning new habits and don’t even realize it. Habits are “patterns
of behavior acquired by frequent repetition” according to the
dictionary. The parent who smokes may not realize it, but their
“smoking habit” is impacting a lot of people around them in
a negative way. On the other hand, the person who regularly
drinks water rather than pop, and exercises religiously can
have the same kind of impact on others but in a positive light.
The experts say it takes about 30 days to create a habit. Wouldn’t
it be great if the Christian church on earth realized the importance
of good habits and used prayer, Bible study, devotions, healthy
eating, regular exercise, and a life of servanthood to impact
the world around them? In our sinful nature, it is easiest to
give in to the more appealing things…and the next thing we know…
we are trying to break a bad habit. Christ died, that we might
have eternal life. In response, pick out one thing that you
can make a positive habit and try it religiously for the next
30 days. See if you can create a “good” habit. It’s much better
than a lame joke!
William Hiskey
Director of Youth Ministries, First English Lutheran,
Spencer IA
Updated: 9-17-02
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